MDI Biological Laboratory Expands President’s Cabinet to Strengthen Donor Engagement and Mission Support

Press Release

MDI Biological Laboratory Expands President's Cabinet to Strengthen Donor Engagement and Mission Support

Salisbury Cove, Maine - July 1, 2025 - MDI Biological Laboratory is pleased to announce the expansion of its President's Cabinet, a key advisory group established to increase awareness and support of the institution's mission to improve human health through scientific discovery and education. Comprised of dedicated, long-standing supporters, the Cabinet recently welcomed eight new members to advise the President and strengthen the organization's philanthropic leadership.

Newly appointed members Jean Evans (Florida), Timur Galen (New York), Linda Genereux (New York), Leslie Saltsman (Maine), Richard Saltsman (Maine), Marthann (Martie) Samek (New York), Meg Samek-Smith (Maryland), and Karin Tilberg (Maine) join the founding members-Patricia Chen (Virginia), Jane R. M. Harrison (New York), Anna Maynard (Maine), and Robert Taft Whitman (New York).

Formed in 2020, the President's Cabinet was created to provide valuable donor insight and strengthen the Laboratory's philanthropic capabilities. The expansion comes at a critical time, as the national landscape for scientific research faces funding uncertainties, including potential cuts to key federal agencies.

"The President's Cabinet exemplifies the shared passion and commitment of our donors to the work we do at MDI Biological Laboratory," said President Hermann Haller, M.D. "This group brings not only tremendous enthusiasm for our mission, but also expertise in healthcare, biotech, urban planning, and nonprofit governance."

Despite their varied backgrounds and paths to MDI Bio Lab, Cabinet members share a common purpose: to support groundbreaking science and inspire the next generation of young scientists.

"I am most passionate to support the Lab in how it brings together multi-generational scientific teams to educate, train, and inspire each other, working together to undertake important research focused on our health and wellbeing," said new member Timur Galen, "That it is doing so on the coast of Maine, with all of the positive impacts on the State of Maine and our community … so much the better."

The growth of the President's Cabinet reflects the broader momentum of MDI Bio Lab's strategic plan and research programs. As the Laboratory continues its mission to improve human health through scientific research to discover the basic mechanisms of regeneration and aging, the insight and support of committed community members is more vital than ever.

Jean Evans has been connected to MDI Biological Laboratory for an impressive 48 years and is passionate about making students and visitors feel part of the community. Serving as a Guardian ad Litem in her home city of Gainesville, FL, she has also given generously of her time to the Child Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity and Trinity United Methodist Church. Jean is a long-time summer resident of Salisbury Cove.

Timur Galen lives in New York and has spent his professional career in the planning, design, development, and management of mixed-use communities, and has served as a volunteer and trustee of numerous non-profit organizations. He is a passionate supporter of MDI Bio Lab and appreciates how it brings together multi-generational scientific teams to educate, train, and inspire each other. Timur summers in Castine, ME.

Linda Genereux is an art historian and holds a master's from the University of Toronto. She has been actively involved in numerous social justice organizations in New York City, including Citizens Committee for Children of New York and The Children's Support Foundation, and she is also the director of award-winning documentary "When Does Freedom Begin." She and her family spend part of the year in Castine, ME.

Leslie Saltsman was introduced to MDI Bio Lab by a friend. As a retired pediatric nurse, she is impressed with the Lab's dedication to excellence and innovation. Leslie and her husband recently relocated from Washington D.C. to Maine and split their time between Topsham and Southwest Harbor.

Richard Saltsman is the retired Assistant Chief Counsel for Litigation at the Federal Aviation Authority. He strongly believes in the potential of the research at MDI Bio Lab to make a meaningful difference in the health and wellness of all people. He is a long-time summer resident of MDI.

Martie Samek has extensive experience in education, fundraising and community service. Dividing her time between Manhattan, NY and Southwest Harbor, locally she serves as Vice Chair of the College of the Atlantic Board of Trustees and is a member of the Gilley Museum board in Southwest Harbor.

Meg Samek-Smith brings professional and volunteer experience in healthcare and biotech, particularly around commercialization and turning early science into scalable solutions. Passionate about preventative health and the ability to drive more personalized care for better outcomes, she is currently the Foundation Board Chair for her local 800-bed health system. Meg splits her time between Annapolis, MD and MDI.

Karin Tilberg holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law. She is a strong advocate for the conservation of the North Woods, providing guidance on environmental and natural resource law and policy matters to individuals and organizations. A year-round resident of MDI, Karin is particularly passionate about the potential translational impact of the research happening at MDI Bio Lab.

MDI Biological Laboratory works to improve human health by illuminating the biology of development, aging and regeneration, and by identifying risks posed by environmental toxins. We are committed to making transformative discoveries that will benefit medicine and society, and providing mentoring and hands-on training for the next generation of scientists, physicians and entrepreneurs.