James R. Downing, M.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Dr. James R. Downing, M.D., is the revered president and chief executive officer of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

With a monumental commitment of $12.9 billion, he leads efforts to advance research and treatment for pediatric cancer and catastrophic diseases globally.

Dr. Downing's groundbreaking laboratory work focuses on unraveling the genetic underpinnings of cancer to enhance treatment strategies.

He spearheaded the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, a pioneering initiative shaping the landscape of childhood cancer research.

An advocate for global pediatric cancer care, Dr. Downing champions international collaborations to improve survival rates worldwide.

Recognized for his contributions, he has been elected to esteemed institutions like the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Amid his tenure, St. Jude has garnered acclaim for its exceptional organizational culture and workplace diversity, setting benchmarks for excellence.

A fervent supporter of education, Dr. Downing actively shares St. Jude's discoveries globally through speaking engagements and media appearances.