Promotions and Staff Additions at the SMA Foundation

The SMA Foundation announced today that Karen Chen, PhD, has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). In addition to Dr. Chen’s continued role as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), she will also be responsible for managing the day-to-day business operations of the Foundation.

Additionally, both Dione Kobayashi, PhD and Sergey Paushkin, MD, PhD have been promoted to the position of Senior Associate Director. Dr. Kobayashi will continue to be responsible for translational research programs. Dr. Paushkin will oversee basic research and drug discovery programs.

The SMA Foundation also welcomed Ying Qian and Rachel Mirkin to the Foundation team. Ying Qian has been hired as a Project Manager – she will be responsible for management and support of the Foundation’s operations. Rachel Mirkin has been hired as a Special Assistant to the executive team. Rachel will provide organizational and communications support for various Foundation programs.

Lastly, Dr. Maryann Martone has completed her sabbatical as a Visiting Senior Fellow at the SMA Foundation. She will be returning to her post as a Professor-in-Residence in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego. The Foundation is grateful for her contributions to advancing our mission over the past six months.