Lamb, Myers Begin HudsonAlpha Executive Leadership Transition

Last week, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with members Neil Lamb, PhD, former Vice President for Educational Outreach, who will transition to the role of the President of the Institute; Rick Myers, PhD, former President and Science Director, who will serve as HudsonAlpha’s new Chief Scientific Officer and President Emeritus; and Kelly East, former director of HudsonAlpha’s Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine who will become the new Vice President for Educational Outreach.

“Rick Myers and Neil Lamb have been critical to the success, innovation, and growth we’ve seen since Lonnie McMillian and I first launched HudsonAlpha,” said Jim Hudson, HudsonAlpha co-founder and chairman of the board. “With Neil’s vision and work ethic leading the organization along with the innovative research led by Rick, we are truly poised to amplify our work as HudsonAlpha’s reach and impact continue to grow.”

Dr. Rick Myers has been with HudsonAlpha since its doors opened in 2008, serving as President and Science Director, and as the M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics since 2020. Dr. Myers came to HudsonAlpha from Stanford’s Human Genome Center, where he led a team that was a major contributor to the Human Genome Project—the international research effort that sequenced the entire human genome. 

Today at HudsonAlpha, researchers under Dr. Myers’ leadership apply genomic technology to uncover the causes of human diseases and accelerate discoveries in plants and agriculture. As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Myers will devote his focus to scientific discovery, achievement, and momentum while providing strategic support and guidance to Dr. Lamb.

“At HudsonAlpha, our team is creating improvements for humankind every day through research-based discoveries,” said Dr. Myers. “As we take our organization to the next level, it’s critical that we have the tools, resources, and team to continue advancing our research and applying our discoveries in the real world. It is this growth that drives my passion, gives me daily purpose, and excites me for our future. I truly believe the best is yet to come for HudsonAlpha.”

Dr. Neil Lamb came to HudsonAlpha in 2006 with a calling to share his passion for human genetics and biotechnology with others through education. He has led HudsonAlpha’s educational outreach team from conception, creating innovative teacher training and toolkits, student experiences, public enrichment, and digital resources that have reshaped how science education is now delivered. Throughout his tenure as Vice President for Educational Outreach, Dr. Lamb has been a public ambassador for HudsonAlpha and a strategic internal advisor helping guide the Institute’s growth. As President, he will now drive the strategic vision and lead day-to-day operations for the entire organization.

“Rick Myers is not only a close friend and mentor, but the person who introduced me to Jim Hudson and co-founder Lonnie McMillian in the early days of HudsonAlpha,” said Dr. Lamb. “I would not be here if it weren’t for Rick. He has positioned HudsonAlpha for continued growth and success, and I share his vision and excitement for the possibilities of the future. This expansion of our executive team will allow us to focus more resources on our mission and expand our local, regional, and global impact for years to come.”

Kelly East came to HudsonAlpha in 2008, right when the Institute opened. East was the director of clinical education at HudsonAlpha as well as the director of HudsonAlpha’s Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine, where she supported multiple mission areas to expand the application of genomics through research, education, and patient care. East received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

“Kelly was actually one of the first hires I made here at HudsonAlpha,” shared Dr. Lamb on East’s appointment, “We have worked together at each different stage of both her and my careers. I could not be happier for Kelly and also for us for having her in this new role.”

For more information, please visit www.hudsonalpha.org