The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and mission-oriented executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a high-impact organization at the forefront of advancing research to address some of the most urgent public health challenges of our time, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will serve as the primary leader and ambassador for the Foundation, guiding its strategic direction, strengthening its philanthropic enterprise, and positioning the organization for continued growth and influence. The Chief Executive Officer will work in close partnership with the Center’s Executive Director and leadership team of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, ensuring strong alignment between philanthropic priorities and scientific advancement.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center is internationally recognized for its contributions to metabolic health and chronic disease research. The separate, independent Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation plays a critical role in accelerating this work by securing philanthropic support, fostering strategic partnerships, and enabling the Center to pursue innovative research that improves health outcomes across the lifespan. As the Center continues to expand its reach and impact, the Foundation is poised for a new phase of growth and increased visibility.
This role operates at the intersection of strategy, philanthropy, and scientific advancement. The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for strengthening relationships with the Board, major donors, and key stakeholders while building a high-performing team and cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy. The role requires a leader who is equally comfortable setting long-term vision, executing against near-term priorities, and serving as a visible external presence for the organization.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of leadership, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement within a complex, mission-driven environment. They will be energized by the opportunity to advance cutting-edge research, build meaningful partnerships, and elevate the Foundation’s role in supporting transformative scientific discovery.
As Pennington Biomedical continues to build on its legacy of innovation and impact, the Chief Executive Officer will play a central role in shaping the Foundation’s future and advancing solutions that improve and extend lives.
This position is based on the Pennington Biomedical campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and requires a visible and engaged presence with Foundation leadership, the Research Center, and the broader community.
Individuals interested in this role, or in nominating qualified candidates, are encouraged to review the Procedure for Candidacy section at the conclusion of this leadership profile for additional information and application instructions.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants assisting with this search, Ashley Buderus, Bree Liddell, and Jeff Schroetlin, at [email protected] or via the WittKieffer candidate portal using the buttons below.
All inquiries, applications and nominations will be held in the highest confidence.
Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation adheres to LSU's Permanent Memorandum 55, which affirms a commitment to equal opportunity in all employment, education, and programming and prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, and veteran status.