Stowers Institute Welcomes Dan Devers as New General Counsel to Propel Legal Strategy

Stowers Institute's New General Counsel: Dan Devers

In a significant move for the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Dan Devers has been appointed as the new General Counsel, effective January 26, 2026. This strategic appointment comes at a crucial time as the Institute embarks on ambitious scientific endeavors. Devers, who previously held the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cerner Corporation—the world's leading healthcare information technology firm—brings with him a wealth of experience in legal matters, especially within the healthcare technology sector.

Devers is set to lead all legal operations for the Institute and its affiliated organizations, tackling essential areas such as governance, compliance, intellectual property strategy, and collaborative partnerships. These roles align closely with the Institute's overarching mission: to uncover new knowledge in foundational biology and develop innovative techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases.

Jonathan Thomas, the CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Stowers Institute, expressed great confidence in Devers, highlighting his unique blend of legal expertise, business insight, and strategic foresight. “Dan brings an extraordinary combination of legal depth, business acumen, and strategic vision,” Thomas noted. He emphasized the importance of Devers' leadership in refining the governance structure and practices of the Stowers Institute to match its ambitious future goals.

Before transitioning to the Stowers Institute, Devers played a pivotal role at Cerner, particularly in negotiating the landmark $28.3 billion acquisition by Oracle in 2022. His leadership facilitated not only robust legal and regulatory frameworks but also resulted in an industry-leading portfolio of over 650 patents, demonstrating his capability to navigate complex legal environments in the tech space.

“I am honored to join this remarkable organization during a dynamic time of scientific exploration and institutional growth,” said Devers on his appointment. He acknowledged the critical role that legal strategy and governance play in fostering an environment ripe for scientific discovery and collaboration, pledging to advance the Institute’s mission of maximizing its global impact through groundbreaking research.

The Stowers Institute’s unique relationship with American Century Investments plays a crucial role in its financial sustainability, with over 40% of the firm’s dividends directed towards supporting the research conducted by the Institute—totaling more than $2 billion to date. Devers will also be responsible for ensuring that the legal strategies surrounding this ongoing funding continue to align with the rigorous, mission-driven science that the Stowers Institute proudly embodies.

Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute, echoed the sentiment regarding Devers' appointment. He highlighted the significance of strong infrastructure in supporting impactful scientific endeavors, stating, “Dan's appointment signals our commitment to legal and organizational excellence as we pursue increasingly complex collaborations and tackle bold scientific questions that push the boundaries of what we know about life.”

Devers steps into his new role following the retirement of Charles German, who served as General Counsel for the Stowers Group of Companies since 2020. Devers will report directly to Jonathan Thomas, reinforcing the leadership team that guides the Institute toward its innovative goals.

Holding a J.D. with honors from the University of Missouri School of Law and a B.S. with honors in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution, Devers also has extensive experience providing legal counsel to academic and nonprofit organizations, further solidifying his ability to offer legal frameworks that bolster innovation.

Overall, the appointment of Dan Devers to the Stowers Institute's leadership team is expected to enhance its capacity to execute its bold scientific mission effectively, ensuring that the legal and business strategies are intricately woven into the fabric of research excellence. The entire community looks forward to the fresh insights and leadership he will bring to this prestigious institution as it continues to redefine the boundaries of biomedical research.

For more information on the Stowers Institute and its groundbreaking work, visit www.stowers.org.