BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Mitchell, MEL
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

Role: Serves as the principal executive officer responsible for overall strategic direction, operations, and mission fulfillment of GEMS. Reports to the Board of Directors.

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Susan Mitchell is the Founder and Executive Director of GEMS: Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience at the intersection of science, education, workforce development, and federal programs.​ She is also the Founder and CEO of Athari BioSciences, Inc., a BSL-2 CLIA-certified diagnostic, research, and training laboratory, specializing in biodefense, genomics, and life sciences workforce development. 

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Susan currently serves on the boards of Virginia Bio, Virginia Career Works Northern Region, and the Loudoun Education Foundation, and she chairs the Loudoun County Public Schools School Business Partnership Executive Council. She is also the founder of the Life-Sciences Innovation & Future Talent - Virginia (LIFT-VA), a regional effort to strengthen the workforce pipeline through collaboration among industry, education, and government.

 

Through GEMS, Susan brings this cross-sector experience to the national stage, guiding the organization’s evolution into a platform that connects genomic science, education, and workforce readiness. Her work reflects a deep commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists, educators, and innovators while strengthening the broader life sciences ecosystem.

Key Qualifications: 20+ years government contracting oversight (NIH, NSF, CDMRP, NASA, ED); $300M+ contract management experience; 95% Exceptional CPARS ratings; CEO Athari BioSciences; BSL2 CLIA certified laboratory operations.

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Tshaka Cunningham, PhD
Board Chair & Chief Scientific Officer

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Role: Provides governance oversight as Chair of the Board of Directors and serves as principal scientific investigator ensuring programmatic excellence and scientific integrity.

Dr. Tshaka Cunningham is a molecular biologist, veteran advocate, and national leader in biotechnology workforce development. With more than 20 years of research experience—including service at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and founding roles in organizations advancing research in biotech—he brings unmatched expertise in genomics and epigenetics.

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Dr. Cunningham is passionate about empowering young learners with the tools to understand and contribute to the future of precision medicine. His commitment to expanding the national biotech pipeline directly supports GEMS’ mission to provide early, hands-on science education grounded in real-world applications.

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Key Qualifications: PhD in genomics/molecular biology/virology; Extensive pharmaceutical industry experience; Government laboratory collaborations; University research appointments; Multi-sector biodefense expertise.
 

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Martine Francis, MS 
Vice Chair & Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer

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Role: Provides governance oversight as Vice Chair and leads strategic partnership development with pharmaceutical industry, ensuring workforce placement and corporate engagement success.

 

Martine Francis is a clinical development expert with more than 35 years of experience across the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Her career spans clinical genetics, molecular diagnostics, clinical operations, and regulatory oversight in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

 

Martine has served in senior roles across government, industry, and contract research organizations, working on both the sponsor and CRO sides of clinical development. She brings deep expertise in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the Code of Federal Regulations, and the planning and execution of Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials for drugs and biologics. Her experience covers a wide range of therapeutic areas, including women’s health, central nervous system disorders, stroke, infectious disease, blood products, oncology, and gene transfer.

 

At GEMS, Martine provides strategic leadership in partnerships, curriculum alignment, and public health education. She helps shape programs that connect scientific rigor with practical application, preparing learners for academic pathways, professional careers, and informed engagement with genomics and health science. She is widely respected within the industry for her expertise, mentorship, and collaborative leadership style.

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Key Qualifications: Pharmaceutical and clinical development leadership; Strategic partnerships and alliances; Biotech and life sciences workforce development; Regulatory and quality oversight; Science education and translation.

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Veronica (Bonny) Taggart 
Secretary & Chief Governance Officer

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Role: Ensures board governance compliance, maintains corporate records, and facilitates effective board operations and communications.

Veronica Taggart is an accomplished nonprofit executive and community development strategist. With a career dedicated to strengthening youth programs, educational access, and organizational sustainability, Veronica brings deep expertise in fundraising, community partnership building, and nonprofit operations.

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Her leadership ensures GEMS maintains a strong foundation for long-term growth—expanding student access, strengthening outreach, and creating pathways for new partnerships. Veronica is a champion of programs that uplift young people and open doors to opportunities in STEM and biotechnology.

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Key Qualifications: Nonprofit governance experience; Legal & compliance background; Board development expertise; Corporate secretary experience; Familiarity with 501(c)(3) regulations.
 

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To Be Announced
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

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Role: Provides financial oversight, ensures fiscal responsibility, and maintains compliance with nonprofit financial regulations and grant management requirements.

Responsibilities:
•    Oversee all financial operations, budgeting, and fiscal management
•    Ensure compliance with 501(c)(3) financial regulations and IRS requirements
•    Lead audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors
•    Manage grant financial compliance and federal contract accounting
•    Review and approve financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
•    Present financial reports to Board and ensure transparency in financial operations
•    Advise on financial sustainability strategies and reserve fund management
•    Oversee investment policies and endowment management
•    Guide financial risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Key Qualifications: CPA or CFO with nonprofit experience; Federal grant/contract financial management; 501(c)(3) compliance expertise; Audit experience; Government & Foundation contracting financial knowledge.
 

 

Together, we can build stronger pathways into science for young learners. Become a supporter, partner, or mentor with GEMS.