J. Craig Venter Institute Hires Nicole DeBerg as Chief Operating Officer

LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), a not-for-profit genomic research organization, announced today they have hired Nicole DeBerg as Chief Operating Officer (COO). DeBerg is based in the JCVI La Jolla, California facility and reports to J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO for JCVI and Karen Nelson, Ph.D., JCVI President. She will be responsible for a variety of operational functions at JCVI including finance and sponsored projects.

A seasoned financial leader with nearly 25 years of experience, DeBerg comes to JCVI most recently from the San Diego Housing Commission where she was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President, Financial Services. Prior to this role she held senior financial leadership positions at several emerging biotechnology companies including Altair Therapeutics, Kalypsys and Depotech, as well as the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. DeBerg is a Certified Public Accountant and began her career as an auditor with Deloitte & Touche. She has held board positions at other non-profit organizations and is actively involved in the San Diego community.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Nicole to JCVI. Her breadth of experience in the academic and commercial scientific arena, coupled with her very strong financial background and leadership skills make her the ideal person to head our financial and operations areas," J. Craig Venter said. "We look forward to having her as part of the leadership team where her knowledge in financial strategy and systems development, as well as her effective fundraising ideas will be invaluable to the continued growth and success of JCVI."

"I am excited to join JCVI, a leading research institute with a stellar record of groundbreaking research accomplishments which are positively impacting society. I look forward to being a part of renowned leadership team and helping to continue this record of success," said DeBerg.

DeBerg holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from San Diego State University.

About J. Craig Venter Institute

The JCVI is a not-for-profit research institute in Rockville, MD and San Diego, CA dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Founded by J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., the JCVI is home to approximately 250 scientists and staff with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics, bioinformatics/informatics, information technology, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic and environmental policy research, and public education in science and science policy. The JCVI is a 501 (c)(3) organization. For additional information, please visit http://www.JCVI.org.

SOURCE J. Craig Venter Institute