Our leadership

Portfolio Director of Therapeutics and Diagnostic Licensing, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures

Jeanine Pennington is the Portfolio Director of the Therapeutics and Diagnostics licensing teams for Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) where she facilitates partnering and licensing of JHU’s life sciences innovations. Jeanine joined JHU in 2013 after four years as a licensing associate for the Texas A&M University System where she focused on licensing of their healthcare, veterinary and life science portfolio. Jeanine’s education includes a B.S. in Biochemistry from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin and a Ph.D in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Professor of Neurology, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Director of Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery

Barbara Slusher, Ph.D., MAS, is Professor of Neurology, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Director of Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery. Dr. Slusher received her undergraduate degree from Dickinson College where she graduated valedictorian, majoring in Chemistry. She received her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine while simultaneously earning her Master’s degree in Administrative Science from the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business (formerly the Hopkins’ School of Continuing Studies). Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2010, Dr. Slusher spent 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including several years at the level of Senior Vice President of Research and Translational Development. She has extensive experience in drug discovery through early clinical development and was involved in the successful development, launch and/or post marketing support of several branded medicines. At Johns Hopkins, she leads the largest integrated drug discovery program on campus, responsible for translating basic science discoveries into novel small molecule therapeutics.

Associate Director of Technology Development, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures

Stewart Neifert is an Associate Director of Technology Development at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) where he manages teams responsible for market research, data analytics, translational funding, and strategic initiatives. He joined JHTV through a competitive Presidential Management Fellowship where he worked on high value projects with senior leadership across the university. Prior to JHTV, he spent a decade researching Parkinson's Disease and managing a large laboratory at the Institute for Cell Engineering within JHU SOM. He has degrees from Hampden-Sydney College and Johns Hopkins University and is currently pursuing an MBA from University of Virginia's Darden School of Business where he is a Batten Scholar.

Partner, Deerfield Management

William Slattery is a Partner on the Therapeutics team and joined the Firm in 2000. Prior to Deerfield, Mr. Slattery was a senior healthcare analyst for 10 years at Amerindo Investment Advisors, where he oversaw biotechnology investments. He has held various positions in research including those at National Medical Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, and HMSS. Mr. Slattery is the Chairman of Gilda’s Club New York City, a non-profit organization supporting cancer patients and their families. He holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from State University of New York at Albany and completed coursework in Immunology at the Graduate School-New Brunswick, Rutgers University.