Newswise — SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 12, 2014 – Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) announced that Carol Cox joined the Institute as senior vice president of External Relations on March 4. In her new role, Cox will be responsible for Sanford-Burnham’s external and internal communications, philanthropy, marketing, and government relations functions. This pivotal hire expands the Institute’s senior leadership team and continues the momentum created by the recently announced $275-million philanthropic pledge that sets in motion Sanford-Burnham’s new 10-year strategic vision to accelerate the Institute’s impact on improving human health.
“Carol is an outstanding addition to our executive team at a most opportune time,” said Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D., president and interim CEO of Sanford-Burnham. “As Sanford-Burnham builds up health-care, pharmaceutical industry, and other private-sector partnerships to advance our translational initiatives, Carol’s business experience will foster that growth, and her marketing savvy will help convey the unique value of the Institute’s achievements.”
In the near term, Cox’s focus will be on aligning multiple communications platforms to elevate the Institute’s global recognition as Sanford-Burnham pursues expanded philanthropic efforts. Cox will take a leadership role in communicating and leveraging the Institute’s strategic vision to stakeholders, including the media, government agencies, potential partners, and employees, as well as implementing a $500-million fundraising campaign in support of the vision. She will draw on expertise and business skills developed over more than 20 years as a communications and investor-relations leader in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life-science industries.
“Carol is a dynamic and respected communications professional and I am pleased that she has joined Sanford-Burnham to lead our External Relations team,” said Gregory Lucier, chairman of Sanford-Burnham’s Board of Trustees. “I’ve worked with her for a number of years and value her strategic thinking and expertise in elevating global brand awareness. She will be critical to elevating the Institute’s recognition and attaining our ambitious fundraising goal. We now have a well-defined 10-year vision, a solid financial base, and strong leadership to execute our strategy for a new 21st-century research model.” About Carol Cox
Cox joined Sanford-Burnham from Life Technologies, where she served as senior vice president of External Affairs and Corporate Communications.
“I am incredibly privileged to join Sanford-Burnham at such a pivotal point in the Institute’s history, as we execute against our strategic vision, enter into new partnerships, and continue to build out our philanthropic efforts. As part of the leadership team and the External Relations team, I will have the opportunity to help craft the Institute’s story of how remarkable science truly impacts human lives. Over the next decade, the Institute will move its basic-research discoveries closer to patient application and we are going to transform our story of success to one of significance,” said Cox.
At Life Technologies, Cox spearheaded global strategies to drive awareness of the company’s major initiatives, enhance its global brand, and fortify its superb corporate reputation across multiple stakeholder groups. Prior to joining Life Technologies, Cox was vice president of Investor Relations at CareFusion Corporation and senior vice president for Global Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at Barr Pharmaceuticals. She holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in International Relations from the University of Virginia. An avid cyclist, Cox participated in last year’s inaugural Pedal the Cause, San Diego, to raise money for research at Sanford-Burnham's NCI-designated Cancer Center and other San Diego NCI-designated cancer centers.
About Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute is dedicated to discovering the fundamental molecular causes of disease and devising the innovative therapies of tomorrow. Sanford-Burnham takes a collaborative approach to medical research with major programs in cancer, neurodegeneration and stem cells, diabetes, and infectious, inflammatory, and childhood diseases. The Institute is recognized for its National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and expertise in drug discovery technologies. Sanford-Burnham is a nonprofit, independent institute that employs 1,200 scientists and staff in San Diego (La Jolla), Calif., and Orlando (Lake Nona), Fla. For more information, visit us at sanfordburnham.org.
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