State Stem Cell Agency Chairman to Step Down
Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 9:33AM
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Klein's decision to give up the chairmanship of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), first reported by John Simpson of Consumer Watchdog, is a milestone for the stem-cell agency, which was created with the hope of funding research into stem-cell-based cures for degenerative diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Klein's persona has loomed over the political crusade for government funding of stem-cell research since the 2004 campaign to pass Prop. 71, which created CIRM, headquartered in San Francisco. He took credit for authoring the ballot initiative, and later assumed chairmanship of the agency. He has often said that his dedication to advancing stem-cell research is driven by his son, who has diabetes.
Klein's announcement of his departure -- still 18 months away -- comes at an uncertain time for the agency. We reported in an April cover story
on medical researchers' doubts about whether the promises of Prop. 71
could be fulfilled. The agency has also faced financial problems this
year because of problems selling state bonds, which it uses to fund
itself.
CIRM spokesman Don Gibbons said Klein has been talking of stepping down at the end of 2010 for some time, and that the decision is based on a desire to rededicate himself full-time to his business.
"He can't afford to take a second term," Gibbons said. "It's a huge financial commitment for him to do this, because he cannot run his business at anywhere near full capacity. He's been saying this internally for a very long time."
Gibbons said Klein may continue to be involved with CIRM in some way after 2010, noting that he would have to be appointed if he were to remain on the agency's governing board.
Photo by kaibara87.
CIRM spokesman Don Gibbons said Klein has been talking of stepping down at the end of 2010 for some time, and that the decision is based on a desire to rededicate himself full-time to his business.
"He can't afford to take a second term," Gibbons said. "It's a huge financial commitment for him to do this, because he cannot run his business at anywhere near full capacity. He's been saying this internally for a very long time."
Gibbons said Klein may continue to be involved with CIRM in some way after 2010, noting that he would have to be appointed if he were to remain on the agency's governing board.
Photo by kaibara87.
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