The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing American scientific and technological leadership, today announced the election of Sri Kosaraju to its board of directors.
Kosaraju is the former chief executive officer at Inscripta, and currently serves as audit chair and board member at 10x Genomics, supporting advancements in life science technology. He also sits on the board at Manus Bio, contributing to the acceleration of biologically produced alternatives. Previously he was a board member at Nevro until its acquisition by Globus. He also served as president and chief financial officer at Penumbra, Inc., and managing director at J.P. Morgan, where he led the Healthcare and TMT Equity Capital Markets divisions. Kosaraju earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“Sri brings exceptional breadth of experience in technology, leadership, finance, and governance to the Hertz Foundation board,” said Stephen Fantone, chair of the Hertz Foundation Board of Directors. “His deep understanding of the healthcare and life sciences space will be invaluable as we work to support fellows in those areas and expand our impact in exciting new ways.”
Kosaraju is passionate about the role that cutting-edge science and technology play in addressing complex challenges — and about the potential to accelerate and scale innovation. As a leader, he has a proven track record of leading organizations through growth. As a board member, he is known as a trusted strategic advisor with strong financial acumen.
“I have been particularly impressed by the strong leadership at the Hertz Foundation. There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited to be a part of the foundation’s future growth.”
“Sri is remarkable at identifying opportunities, building excitement and support, and driving impressive growth,” said Wendy Connors, president of the Hertz Foundation. “We’re thrilled to work with him in advancing our mission.”
Kosaraju will begin his term this month, joining two other new board members: Hertz Fellows Kevin Bowers, chief science officer and head of research and development, Jump Trading, and Jordan Chetty, software engineer, Citadel, as an early career member.
Interview with Sri Kosaraju
We sat down with Kosaraju to learn more about his work and what he hopes to contribute to the organization.
What specifically are you working on right now that’s most exciting to you?
Kosaraju: I spend my time around impactful and emerging life science technologies in the fields of biotech, genomics and medical devices, which can help people live better lives. I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges people face in healthcare, and I believe that by working alongside others who care, we can make a positive and meaningful impact.
What inspires you to contribute your valuable time to the Hertz Foundation?
Kosaraju: I was introduced to the Hertz Foundation by Michael Schnall-Levin, a friend and colleague who is a Hertz Fellow and is currently CTO at 10x Genomics. I attended a few Hertz events, including the Summer Workshop and an event in San Francisco, and quickly observed how incredible the community is. There’s such diversity of expertise and experience — from life sciences to AI to quantum computing — and everyone seems driven to do something meaningful. Also, leadership is important to me, and I have been particularly impressed by the strong leadership at the Hertz Foundation. There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited to be a part of the foundation’s future growth.
What unique insights or perspectives do you bring to the board?
Kosaraju: I bring 25 years of professional experience and my network in the life science industry, as well as general leadership and board experience, to the role. As a non-fellow who is new to the organization, I have a unique vantage point and look forward to collaborating with the board and the community on current and future strategic ideas.
Why is the Hertz Foundation important for the future of science and technology?
Kosaraju: Every fellow I’ve been fortunate to meet has expressed deep appreciation for how the funding and support have advanced their careers. But what’s exciting to me is what happens next. This is an important time when innovation is playing such an important role in advancing key areas of our society. Hertz fellows have the opportunity to convene, collaborate and converge to advance their ideas and apply their innovations.
What advice would you give to the newest class of Hertz Fellows?
Kosaraju: I recently met several of the newest Hertz Fellows, and they were excited and confident — the kind of people you want to be around and invest in. My advice to them: know that nothing is prescribed, have the conviction to keep pursuing your ideas, and leverage the resources at the Hertz Foundation to help you. In this regard, I am happy to connect.
About the Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation is the nation’s preeminent nonprofit organization committed to advancing American scientific and technological leadership. For more than 60 years, it has stood as an unwavering pillar of independent support through the renowned Hertz Fellowship, cultivating a multidisciplinary network of innovators whose work has positively impacted millions of lives. Learn more at hertzfoundation.org.
