The stem cell agency’s July Board meeting said both hello and farewell to CIRM Board members.
A fond farewell
To begin, the Board said goodbye to Dr. Philip Pizzo, who stepped down as Dean at Stanford and as a member of our governing Board, and welcomed three new members.
The tributes to Dr. Pizzo were heartfelt and numerous. Dr. Michael Friedman, CEO of City of Hope, praised him for his “unselfish” service to the people of California, adding:
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to a friend, particularly when it’s someone who has been part of your organization since the very beginning. But when it’s someone as universally liked as Dr. Philip Pizzo, it’s even harder.
“I have known Phil for more than three decades. He’s one of the few people in the room who remembers me with hair—which tells you how long it’s been! The citizens of California have been very fortunate to have your thoughtful engagement on their behalf over an extended period, always asking what science will help the most people in the shortest time.”
Bittersweet
Similarly, Sherry Lansing, Patient Advocate for cancer, called it “one of the most bittersweet days since the institute was formed.” She said he served as one of the consciences of the Board:
“For me and all the patient advocates, we say thanks. We would go to you with questions about the science, and you were always so patient in explaining it. You never made me feel silly for not understanding. You were much more than a source of scientific knowledge—you were a source of ethics for the Board. You cared about what was best for the Board and for patients, and you ensured that everything was done with integrity, transparency, and honesty.”
After others offered their tributes, Dr. Pizzo responded in his characteristically modest way, saying:
“I am deeply humbled to be here and feel I’m almost at the point of listening to an obituary, but it’s very meaningful, and the honor has been mine to serve with you. Those of us who have been here since the start remember how hard it was to get this together and how much has been accomplished in the years since.”
A welcome to new members
In closing, he said that although he is stepping down, he knows the work is in good hands and looks forward to watching the progress continue.
Picking up the mantle from Dr. Pizzo is Dr. Lloyd Minor, who takes over his old job as Dean of Stanford’s School of Medicine and his seat on the stem cell agency’s Board. After being sworn in he said he was “looking forward to what I know will be an exciting future.”
Al Rowlett, the new Patient Advocate for Mental Health, was also sworn in at the Board meeting and said “I am honored to represent the people of California and I’m hoping to make substantial contributions to the work of the agency. It’s a great honor.”
The third new member is Dr. Lars Berglund from UC Davis, who is the alternate for Ken Burtis.
We welcome our new members and look forward to working with you, and we bid a huge thank you and good luck on your new adventures to Dr. Pizzo. He will be missed but he has left a terrific legacy for the Board to carry on.
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