Dr. Orin S. Levine Takes the Helm as President and CEO of WRF

Washington Research Foundation Welcomes Dr. Orin S. Levine as New President and CEO

In an exciting transition for the Washington Research Foundation (WRF), Dr. Orin S. Levine has been appointed as its new President and CEO. This strategic move comes as Dr. Tom Daniel, the current President and CEO, prepares for retirement in October 2025 after three impactful years of leadership.

Dr. Levine is well-known in international circles for his expertise in public health and innovation. His leadership journey will officially begin on October 6, 2025, marking a new chapter for WRF as it continues its mission to transform lives through research and grants. The foundation has made significant contributions, awarding nearly $16 million in grants to nonprofit research institutions in Washington state in its last fiscal year alone, leading up to a remarkable total of over $182 million since its inception in 1981.

Dr. Levine's career spans over two decades, during which he has skillfully bridged the gap between science, policy, and philanthropy. Prior to joining WRF, he served in senior leadership roles at the Gates Foundation. His responsibilities ranged from overseeing global vaccine delivery projects to managing key initiatives aimed at enhancing immunization and primary healthcare worldwide. Notably, he played a crucial role on the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) initiative for nine years.

His dedication to public health began in 1994 when he first joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As an officer in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and later a staff epidemiologist, he made significant contributions to the field of respiratory diseases. Dr. Levine’s expertise was further highlighted during his tenure at the National Institutes of Health, where he worked on pneumococcal vaccines.

After five years with the CDC, he transitioned to academia, taking on a professorial role at Johns Hopkins University. There, he co-founded the International Vaccine Access Center alongside Professor Katherine O’Brien, which focused on increasing vaccine accessibility for children in low-income countries. His leadership in this program was pivotal and secured over $100 million in grants from organizations like the Gates Foundation and Gavi.

WRF's Board Chair, Brooks Simpson, expressed confidence in Dr. Levine’s leadership, stating, "Under Tom's leadership, WRF has become a widely recognized philanthropic organization in the region's life sciences space. Now we look forward to Orin's time at the helm, especially as we face new challenges in state and federal budgets. His extensive experience in global healthcare will be invaluable as we navigate these uncharted waters."

In his commitment to WRF, Dr. Levine stated, "I love innovation, and WRF has a remarkable legacy of helping researchers turn bold ideas into innovations that improve lives. I'm excited by our ambition and the opportunity to collaborate with the team and our partners to enhance Washington's life sciences ecosystem."

Washington Research Foundation was established in 1981 to support research, particularly within the life sciences and enabling technologies. Initially a technology transfer organization, WRF has contributed enormously to the commercialization of technologies resulting in over $445 million in licensing revenue for the University of Washington.

As WRF gears up for this leadership transition, it aims to continue its legacy of fostering innovation and supporting life sciences research, showcasing its commitment to benefiting the community and beyond. The foundation also operates WRF Capital, its investment vehicle, which has supported 132 local startups since 1996, helping to sustain its philanthropic endeavors.

For further details, visit wrfseattle.org.

Media Contact: Dale Wadman, Email: [email protected], Phone: (206) 336-5600.