LA JOLLA INSTITUTE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES PROMINENT BUSINESSWOMAN KATINA TSAKOPOULOS:
Rancho Santa Fe resident becomes newest Board member
SAN DIEGO - (June 23, 2010) The La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology's Board of Directors elected Katina Tsakopoulos, a California businesswoman and community volunteer, as a new member at its June meeting.
Ms. Tsakopoulos, a Rancho Santa Fe resident, is the managing partner of the Tsakopoulos Family Partnership, which manages real estate assets in Northern and Central California. The Tsakopoulos Family Partnership is closely affiliated with, and is a major partner of, AKT Development Corporation, one of California's largest and most respected land development companies. Along with her business activities, Ms. Tsakopoulos has also been active with several charities focused on children's issues.
Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer, said the Institute feels fortunate that Ms. Tsakopoulos has agreed to serve on its Board. "Katina is not only a successful businesswoman, but a strong community supporter who brings a spirit of generosity and caring that is a perfect blend with our mission to improve human health though cutting-edge research on the immune system." A nonprofit organization, the La Jolla Institute is one of the world's leaders in immunology research and one of the few in the world focused on solving immune-mediated diseases and improving vaccines.
A native of Sacramento, Ms. Tsakopoulos moved to Rancho Santa Fe in 2000 and has been involved as an activist on children's issues both in Sacramento and locally. Over the years, her activities have included serving on the founding Board of the Mercy Perinatal Recovery Network, an organization affiliated with Mercy Hospital in Sacramento. The Network assists pregnant women and new mothers battling substance abuse, helping them learn to overcome their addictions, give birth to healthier babies and prevent their children from being placed in foster care. Ms. Tsakopoulos served on the Board for five years, including two years as Chairwoman.
She also has worked with Children Uniting Nations, a program linking children in foster care with mentors from the community. In addition, she served for several years as chairperson for Red Ribbon week, a national anti-drug program, at Earl Warren Middle School in San Diego.
Ms. Tsakopoulos said she is excited to work on the La Jolla Institute Board. "La Jolla Institute scientists are working on research issues that touch the lives of everyone," she said. "Their work toward the development of new treatments or cures for many debilitating diseases has the potential to improve the quality of life for us all. We are at a time of exciting medical possibilities and I am honored to participate as a member of the Board aiding in the Institute's critically important efforts."
About La Jolla Institute
Founded in 1988, the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology is a biomedical research nonprofit focused on improving human health through increased understanding of the immune system. Its scientists carry out research seeking new knowledge leading to the prevention of disease through vaccines and the treatment and cure of infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, Crohn's disease and asthma. La Jolla Institute's research staff includes more than 100 Ph.D.s and M.D.s.
