Jack Nagan, JD, Executive Director of Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) and Vice President for Research at Virginia Mason Medical Center has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2012.

During Nagan’s seven-and-a-half-year tenure, he led the transformation of BRI’s business operations and facility expansion to support the doubling of BRI’s research volume. He also was responsible for the overall coordination and oversight of research activities at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Within the community, he served on the board of directors for the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA), the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) and JDRF. He also was involved in the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Nagan’s career spans 40 years of leadership positions in biomedical research institutes and medical centers including the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs medical centers in California and other Western states.

“We are extremely grateful to Jack for his excellent leadership during our great period of growth,” said Gerald Nepom, MD, PhD, Director of BRI. “His foresight and innovation in building our business and financial services allowed our scientific endeavors to grow and succeed.”

“Benaroya Research Institute is making tremendous strides in eliminating autoimmune and immune mediated diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis,” said Nagan. “It has been an honor to lead the business components of this world-class research institute that is truly improving people’s lives.”

Jack and his wife Sue will move back to the San Francisco Bay area to spend more time with their family, and pursue other longtime interests.