Sabin Vaccine Institute Announces Leadership Changes: Anuradha Gupta to step away; New members join Sabin Board of Trustees

Sabin Vaccine Institute’s President for Global Immunization, Anuradha Gupta, is departing from full-time work after an impactful tenure during which she reshaped the organization’s approach to immunization, championing locally led innovation and transdisciplinary partnerships.

In another significant leadership development, Sabin elected three distinguished members to its Board of Trustees to strengthen its R&D and global immunization portfolios.

Anuradha Gupta’s Transformative Leadership

Since joining Sabin in 2022, Gupta has led bold, forward-thinking initiatives that transformed the organization’s strategies for tackling global immunization challenges.

Under her guidance, Sabin embraced a community-centered approach that reimagined immunization efforts — broadening its focus to address diseases like cholera, fast-tracking new vaccine introductions, reaching unvaccinated children, and boosting coverage of underused vaccines like HPV through unique partnerships such as the Global HPV Consortium. Gupta’s inclusive, holistic strategy, which integrates local insights with global expertise, is redefining how Sabin supports health initiatives in the Global South, cementing her enduring legacy.

“Anuradha leaves Sabin on solid ground, with a dedicated team and robust programs poised to carry her vision forward,” says Amy Finan, CEO of Sabin Vaccine Institute. “Her focus on community-driven solutions is embedded in the very fabric of Sabin’s work. While we will miss her leadership, her influence will continue to inspire us as we move forward.”

Reflecting on her time at Sabin, Gupta noted that while the power of vaccines was undeniable, the future of vaccination stands at a critical crossroads. “Surging disease outbreaks are exposing the limitations of traditional approaches. In this context, Sabin’s steadfast commitment to amplifying local leadership, fostering multi-disciplinary collaboration, and incorporating a climate lens into immunization efforts has never been more crucial. It serves as a beacon of hope, charting a path toward innovative solutions and sustainable progress.”

Gupta, who is leaving full-time work to spend time in her home country, India, will remain in her role at Sabin until January 14, 2025.

New Leadership on the Board of Trustees

As Sabin’s programs continue to grow and deliver impact, three new members — Filip Dubovsky, Orin Levine, and Nadia Tornieporth — have joined its Board of Trustees. Each brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing vaccines and global health.

Dubovsky returns to Sabin’s Board, having briefly served before joining R&D efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines, With more than 20 years of experience in vaccine development, his leadership roles at Novavax, AstraZeneca, and PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative make him exceptionally qualified to advise on vaccine product development for low- and middle-income countries.

With over 30 years of experience in global health and vaccines, Levine also brings expertise in strategic planning, coalition-building, and policy advocacy. He has been a key ally in Sabin’s work, particularly while working with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition to his Trustee responsibility, Levine will provide strategic and technical leadership for Sabin’s Global Immunization efforts while the organization searches for a new President to head the division.

Tornieporth, a seasoned leader in global health and vaccine development, has contributed to the licensure of over 20 vaccines during her career with Sanofi Pasteur and GlaxoSmithKline. Her advisory work with organizations like CEPI, USAID, and the World Health Organization will further strengthen Sabin’s R&D initiatives.

Regina Rabinovich, Chair of Sabin’s Board of Trustees, welcomed the new members, emphasizing the importance of their expertise at this pivotal time. “As we navigate a rapidly evolving R&D and global immunization landscape, Nadia’s extensive experience in vaccine development, Orin’s strategic leadership in global health, and Filip’s deep knowledge of vaccine innovation and development will be invaluable in advancing our mission”.

Echoing this sentiment, Finan adds, “I am thrilled to welcome Filip, Orin, and Nadia to Sabin’s Board. Their diverse perspectives and decades of experience will strengthen our efforts across the vaccines-to-vaccination spectrum, advancing equitable access to life-saving vaccines and building resilience against emerging health threats.”

Dubovsky, Levine, and Tornieporth join Rabinovich, Finan, and nine other members on Sabin’s Board of Trustees.