May 19, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to inform you that Jesse Kindra has been selected as the Lab’s Chief Technology Transfer Officer (CTTO), effective June 29. Jesse will lead our Intellectual Property Office, which is responsible for IP strategy development and portfolio management to support the commercialization of Lab-developed technologies for the benefit of society and the U.S. economy. This position reports to me, and works closely with PIs from across the Lab and with the Strategic Partnerships Office team.
Jesse has extensive background in commercializing technologies through domestic and global alliances. Prior to joining the Lab, Jesse served for 12 years at the University of Washington. Most recently, he was Contracts Team Manager for UW’s Office of Sponsored Programs. He also previously served as the Executive Director, Center for Advanced Study and Research on Innovation Policy, Assistant Vice President for Intellectual Property Management, as well as an Adjunct Professor at the Law School. His experience at National Institutes of Health includes Branch Chief for the Office of Technology Transfer, and prior to that role, Senior Licensing and Patenting Manager. In addition, Jesse has a J.D., MS in Biotechnology and Business, and a BS in Biology.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer Todd Pray, who has served as interim CTTO since September 1, 2021, for his stewardship of this important function while the Lab conducted its search.
I look forward to working closely with Todd and Jesse as they work together to support the Laboratory’s priorities for innovation and partnerships.
Please join me in congratulating Jesse, and in welcoming him into his new role.
Best regards,
Carol Burns
Deputy Laboratory Director for Research
Chief Research Officer
