The Jackson Laboratory Strengthens Leadership with New Senior VP of External Affairs

The Jackson Laboratory Welcomes New Senior VP of External Affairs

On April 13, 2026, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), an acclaimed entity in genetics and genomic medicine, proudly announced the appointment of Steven Holstein as its new Senior Vice President of External Affairs. This pivotal role arrives as JAX is navigating a crucial phase in its mission to redefine biomedical research through innovative methods and strategic partnerships.

Holstein's responsibilities will encompass leading a unified external engagement strategy that includes advancement, communications, marketing, as well as governmental and external affairs. By managing these elements, he aims to enhance JAX's outreach capabilities and strengthen its collaborative network with both domestic and international research partners, further embedding JAX as a cornerstone of the global biomedical landscape.

Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSci, who is the president and CEO of JAX, expressed optimism about Holstein's appointment, stating, "JAX is at the forefront of a transformative phase in biomedical research, advancing discoveries that have real-world impacts. Steven's leadership is essential for us to scale our connections, partnerships, and resources to maximize our influence on global health advancements."

As JAX strengthens its role as a global platform for innovative biomedical discoveries, it is enhancing its integrated research capabilities while forming important alliances with leading academic institutions and healthcare organizations. Recent collaborations, such as its partnership with GSK and the acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation, illustrate JAX's dedication to expanding its influence beyond its laboratory confines, enabling researchers worldwide to transition faster from insight to impactful therapies.

Holstein remarked on JAX's unique position in the biomedical ecosystem, noting, "Our goal is to foster a seamless connection between our scientific frameworks and the essential partnerships and resources that drive discovery and real-world applications. By positioning JAX as a catalyst for collaborative research, we can significantly enhance the potential for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare."

Bringing over twenty years of leadership experience in financial services, healthcare, and life sciences, Holstein is well-prepared for this transformative role. Previously, he has held significant positions at prominent organizations like MassMutual, Guardian, and Fidelity Investments, where he spearheaded enterprise marketing and growth strategies. Most recently, he was a managing director and head of business development at Outcome Capital, focusing on capital formation and strategic partnerships to advance innovations within life sciences and healthcare.

Throughout his career, Holstein has successfully managed integrated efforts that bridge institutional strategies with external constituencies, ensuring alignment between marketing, business development, and executive engagement to foster long-term growth and meaningful outputs.

The Jackson Laboratory, established in 1929 in Bar Harbor, Maine, stands as an independent, nonprofit research institution recognized for its emphasis on the research, education, and resources required to achieve its mission of discovering precise genomic solutions for diseases. Today, JAX employs almost 3,000 staff members globally and maintains campuses across various locations, including Maine, Connecticut, California, Florida, New York, and Japan.

For further information about The Jackson Laboratory and its research initiatives, please visit www.jax.org.