Page 3 - Annual Report 2020

MESSAGE FROM INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Like every organization, business and individual around the world, this year has been historic with the onset of COVID-19 and its global impact. The Hormel Institute, as part of University of Minnesota, followed UMN, state, and CDC protocols to ensure the provision of individual safety. For a period
of time, only essential personnel were working a limited amount of time onsite maintaining critical building and lab operations. Most faculty and staff have been working remotely for several months and those who can will continue to do so until the end of the year. However, lab personnel have now been able to return to work onsite at 75% capacity allowing a return to actual laboratory research. Despite these restraints, articles were published in top research journals and grants were awarded. I am proud of how our teams worked together to ensure our mission was furthered, even in this environment.
This year’s annual report highlights Dr. Zigang Dong, The Hormel Institute’s fifth executive director, who resigned in November 2019 to pursue other opportunities. I join others in recognizing him for his nearly 20 years as executive director and his contributions to The Hormel Institute.
I am also honored to introduce The Hormel Institute’s sixth executive director, Dr. Robert Clarke, as he takes the helm in leading The Institute to its next era of progress and accomplishment.
Dr. Clarke is a nationally recognized cancer research expert and former Dean for Research at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Leena Hilakivi-Clarke will also join us to lead a Women’s Health research section at The Hormel Institute. We welcome them and their scientific staff to Austin and The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota.
New to The Hormel Institute this year is Chief of Staff Elizabeth Fedie. Liz brings experience from the Masonic Cancer Center UMN and is excited to further the aims and objectives of The Institute’s mission. With the growth of The Hormel Institute, additional leadership and management structures will provide positive infrastructure to support departments and ensure that progress continues.
I have been honored to serve as interim executive director and I thank you - on behalf of all of The Hormel Institute, UMN - for your continued support.
In friendship,
Ann M. Bode, Ph.D. Interim Executive Director
THE HORMEL INSTITUTE // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PG 3