New Leadership at the Helm
Following an extensive nationwide search, Alec C. Kimmelman, MD, PhD, has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer and Dean of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Kimmelman, a renowned radiation oncologist and internationally recognized researcher, has been a leader at the institution since 2016 and most recently served as the director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center. His tenure as CEO and Dean will officially commence on September 1, succeeding Dr. Robert I. Grossman, who is retiring after 18 years of transformative leadership.
Under Dr. Grossman’s guidance, the institution evolved from a regional hospital into one of the nation’s top-tier academic health systems, featuring seven inpatient locations, over 320 outpatient sites, and two tuition-free medical schools. The Board of Trustees unanimously confirmed Dr. Kimmelman’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to build upon Grossman’s legacy and steer the institution into a new era of medical innovation and patient care.
Vision for the Future
Dr. Kimmelman’s appointment comes at a time of significant expansion and opportunity for the institution. Last year, it reported $14.2 billion in revenue, added a new hospital in Suffolk County, and planned a comprehensive outpatient facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, it was ranked No. 1 among 115 comprehensive academic medical centers nationwide by Vizient, Inc. for the third consecutive year.
In response to his appointment, Dr. Kimmelman stated, “I am humbled and excited to take on this role and appreciate the trust placed in me by the Board of Trustees. I look forward to leading our talented team in continuing to provide world-class patient care, education, and scientific advancements.”
Dr. Grossman praised his successor, noting that Kimmelman’s leadership at Perlmutter Cancer Center has solidified the institution’s standing as a leader in research and treatment. He also highlighted Dr. Alec C. Kimmelman’s contributions to molecular oncology and cancer research, particularly in the areas of pancreatic cancer and tumor metabolism.
A Legacy of Research and Innovation
Dr. Alec C. Kimmelman’s career has been marked by groundbreaking research in oncology. A highly regarded NIH-funded investigator, he has spent over two decades studying the biological functions of Ras oncogenes and has made significant contributions to understanding pancreatic cancer metabolism. His research has laid the foundation for multiple clinical trials, shaping the future of cancer treatment.
Under his leadership, Perlmutter Cancer Center established the Center for Molecular Oncology in 2024, which has pioneered the use of liquid biopsies to sequence tumor DNA, ensuring more precise and personalized treatment for cancer patients. He has authored over 100 research papers in top medical journals and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ruth Leff Siegel Award for Excellence in Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Dr. Alec C. Kimmelman completed his MD and PhD at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, followed by clinical training and postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Before joining NYU, he led a research program at Dana-Farber, specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies.
As he steps into this leadership role, stakeholders and colleagues express confidence in his vision and expertise, believing that he will continue to drive medical innovation, research excellence, and patient-centered care into the institution’s next chapter.
