The Health Research Alliance (HRA) announced today the appointment of its new Executive Director, Dr. Christine Riordan, effective June 17, 2024.
Christine Riordan, Ph.D.
Dr. Riordan will succeed retiring HRA Executive Director, Dr. Maryrose Franko, and will take on the leadership of the HRA, representing more than 100 nonprofit funders of health research who have invested over $25 billion in biomedical research and training since the founding of HRA in 2005. Dr. Riordan was identified following a highly competitive national search and brings extensive experience in government and nonprofit management service. Throughout her career, Dr. Riordan has managed and collaborated with teams large and small, including staff and volunteers, and has developed and implemented strategic plans for impact. Dr. Riordan’s experience as an evaluator and her deep understanding of the culture and challenges facing the biomedical research workforce will facilitate HRA’s continued collaborative work to promote innovative and effective grantmaking.
HRA Board of Directors Interim Chair and President of the Donaghue Foundation, Stacy Cloud, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Christine Riordan as the incoming Executive Director of HRA. With her expertise in the biomedical research sector and diverse work expertise showcasing strong grantmaking, business development and management skills, she will provide inspiring leadership as HRA marks its 20th anniversary in 2025.” HRA Search Committee Chair, Marion Greenup, former Senior Vice President for Administration of the Simons Foundation, stated “Dr. Riordan’s demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in biomedical grantmaking and her ability to connect with volunteers and members to solve challenges made her an ideal candidate for the role.”
“I’m excited to join HRA as its new Executive Director to continue the great work that has been accomplished and to help HRA members continue to innovate in the biomedical grantmaking space as the sector faces new challenges and opportunities,” shared Dr. Riordan.
Dr. Riordan currently serves as the Director of Research for the American Urological Association (AUA). Prior to joining AUA, Dr. Riordan served as the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation for Ripple Effect Communications. Inc. and was the Program Manager, Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program for the U.S. Army Public Health Center at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions assisted with the search.