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James R. Downing to Step Down as CEO of St. Jude

In late 2026, Dr. James R. Downing, MD, will conclude his impressive tenure as president and CEO of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, capping off 12 years of unparalleled growth and innovation within the institution. This transition is a carefully planned leadership change, as Downing will shift to a faculty position within the Department of Pediatric Global Medicine, a department he established to enhance St. Jude's global mission.

Reflecting on his journey, Downing expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him during his 40 years at St. Jude. "When I joined, I came for the opportunity to do great science, but I stayed because of the mission and culture. I've witnessed how St. Jude has transformed pediatric cancer care globally, and it has been an honor to contribute to this incredible mission," he stated.

While Downing will maintain his role until a successor is named, the St. Jude Board of Governors is currently conducting a worldwide search for the next leader. An announcement regarding the new CEO is expected this summer, with the transition complete by the end of 2026.

Chair of the Board, Judy Habib, praised Downing for establishing St. Jude as a leader in global pediatric health. "His global achievements align with our founder Danny Thomas's vision. He has fostered collaboration within St. Jude and with external organizations, paving the way for future leaders to continue his legacy of scientific excellence and compassionate care for children."

Ike Anand, the CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm for St. Jude, echoed similar sentiments, valuing Downing's partnership throughout their shared mission. "His unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and deep compassion for the children we serve have guided St. Jude through historic advancements in childhood cancer treatment," he affirmed.

A Visionary Leader

Downing is widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions in the fields of pediatric leukemia and genome sequencing. Commencing his career at St. Jude in 1986, he made significant strides, including his role as the architect of the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, which revolutionized the treatment and understanding of childhood cancers.

His appointment as president and CEO in 2014 marked the beginning of a transformative period for the institution, characterized by unprecedented expansion and a focus on fundamental and translational research. Notable facilities, including the Domino's Village and advanced research centers, have emerged under his leadership to accommodate the growing needs of patients and research efforts.

Downing's influence extends beyond leadership; he is recognized as a pioneer in pediatric oncology, receiving numerous accolades such as memberships in the National Academy of Medicine and various prestigious awards from significant medical societies. He is a firm believer in St. Jude's essential mission: to tackle the most critical challenges in childhood cancer.

A Legacy of Impact

Dr. Downing's tenure has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including significant strategic investments and workforce expansions. Initiatives aimed at revolutionizing cancer treatment, establishing global partnerships, and enhancing research capabilities have been at the forefront of his strategy, solidifying St. Jude's status as an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Under his leadership, St. Jude has established crucial programs, such as the Cancer Predisposition Clinic and the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, collaborating with WHO to improve access to treatment worldwide. His commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture is evident through substantial workforce growth and the implementation of programs aimed at enhancing employee well-being.

Marlo Thomas, the national outreach director for St. Jude, acknowledged Downing’s influence by remarking on his mentorship and dedication to fostering excellence. "Dr. Downing has a remarkable passion for helping sick children, which underpins every aspect of his leadership."

As Downing prepares for his next chapter, his legacy of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to the mission of St. Jude is anticipated to leave a lasting impact on the institution and the countless children and families it serves worldwide.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital remains at the forefront of global pediatric health, driven by a commitment to ensure that no child suffers from preventable illnesses. To learn more about the hospital's groundbreaking work, visit stjude.org.