Huntington Medical Research Institute Adds Two Members to Board of Directors

Huntington Medical Research Institutes has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors, the biomedical research organization announced Wednesday.

John H. Reith and Philip A. Swan, both with extensive backgrounds in finance and wealth management, joined the Board of the Pasadena-based institute that has conducted heart and brain disease research and pioneered life-saving discoveries for more than 70 years.

“We are delighted to welcome John and Phil to our dynamic Board of Directors,” said HMRI President and CEO Julia E. Bradsher, Ph.D., MBA. “Their professional expertise in finance, wealth management, strategy, and business development will provide vital insights as we confidently implement our strategic vision at a time when the value of science is being challenged.” Bradsher added, “The pursuit of science must continue, guided by the knowledge and support of our Board.”

Reith, an MBA and CPA, serves as president of the Reith Company, which specializes in forensic and investigative accounting, expert witness testimony, corporate due diligence and governance evaluations. His 25-year career includes domestic and international experience as a general auditor, chief financial officer and corporate controller.

A graduate of the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Reith holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Internal Auditor. He is actively involved in philanthropy, serving as president of the Hastings Foundation and as a member of the Finance Committee for Five Acres, where he previously chaired the Board. He and his wife Charlotte have lived in their Pasadena home since 1977.

Swan, a lifelong Pasadena resident, brings over 30 years of financial industry experience to HMRI. As Director of Business Development for Terra Alpha, he develops the firm’s business development strategy and oversees its execution. His career includes roles at The Capital Group, Griffis Residential, Phil Swan Five, and UBS.

Swan is committed to philanthropy, currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for the Ann Peppers Foundation. He also serves on the boards of several organizations, including The Huntington, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Convalescent Aid Society, the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, the Della Martin Foundation, and the Cygnet Foundation.

He has actively supported HMRI since 2017 and has participated in or co-sponsored selected HMRI events, continuing a family legacy started by his father, Phil V. Swan, who previously served as a Board director with Emeritus status.

“John and Phil will contribute their professional and philanthropic excellence to enhance HMRI’s future strategy,” said John Babcock, chair of the HMRI Board of Directors. “Our ultimate goal is to continue scaling biomedical research that improves the lives of people worldwide.”

The institute focuses on innovative biomedical research investigating diseases of the heart and brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, mental illnesses like schizophrenia, and cardiovascular disease. HMRI is also committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists.

For more information about HMRI, visit www.hmri.org.