UTICA, N.Y. — The Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) on Friday announced that Dr. Maria Kontaridis is now serving as its executive director.
Kontaridis, who joined MMRI as director of research in January 2018, assumed the top spot on May 6.
At the same time, MMRI promoted Susan Bartkowiak to fill the permanent position of director of administration. She has been interim director of administration for the past year.
MMRI contends it has “vastly grown” with Kontaridis serving as director of research. The organization increased its number of employees, transitioned from the moniker Masonic Medical Research Laboratory to MMRI, underwent rebranding, and diversified its research portfolio.
“We have been repeatedly impressed and made proud by our decision to hire Dr. Kontaridis. Her ambition is inspiring, and we are excited to bear witness to the growth of the MMRI in the coming months and years under her outstanding leadership” Alvaro Quiroga, president of the MMRI board of directors, said in a statement.
MMRI said the restructuring of its leadership will increase the effectiveness of its expansion goals for the future as the institute continues to branch into new areas of research, attract more scientists, and increase laboratory space.
