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.

Susan Mitchell is the Founder, Executive Director and Board Chair of GEMS: Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists. A molecular geneticist and biotechnology consultant with over 20 years of scientific experience, Susan has dedicated her career to bridging the divide between advanced scientific research and educational opportunity. Her leadership shaped GEMS’ strategic vision—from its origins as FBGEN to its evolution into a national program focused on biotechnology education and workforce development.

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Susan’s expertise spans genomics, therapeutic development, STEMM workforce training, and nationally-based health initiatives. She is deeply committed to ensuring all students have access to real laboratory science early in their academic journeys. Her work continues to drive GEMS forward as a catalyst for opportunity, development, and scientific readiness.

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

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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 Rice is a public health scientist and genetic counselor with extensive experience in molecular diagnostics and health education. Her career has spanned clinical genetics, laboratory operations, and patient advocacy, giving her a unique perspective on the importance of genomic literacy across the country.

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At GEMS, Martine provides critical guidance on curriculum development, public health partnerships, and education strategies that make complex scientific concepts accessible to new learners. She is dedicated to shaping programs that prepare students for academic success, scientific careers, and informed decision-making throughout their lives.

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Key Qualifications: Pharmaceutical scientific leadership experience; Industry partnership development; Strategic alliance management; Corporate engagement expertise; Biotech/pharma workforce knowledge.
 

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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.