Keck Graduate Institute added three new Board of Trustees members at the October 2026 meeting last week. Mark Foletta, Christopher Rhodes, and Christine Zedelmayer bring extensive backgrounds in business, life sciences, and biopharmaceutical leadership to the board as its newest members.
“Our ability to advance KGI’s mission is strengthened by trustees whose expertise and perspectives align with the institution’s purpose and priorities,” said Board Chair Ross Grossman. “Each of our three new trustees brings valuable experience and insight that will advance KGI and its programs and enrich the student experience.”
“I am grateful for the depth of experience our three new trustees bring, as well as their commitment to advancing KGI’s mission,” said President Mohamed Abousalem. “I look forward to collaborating with each of them as we strengthen the excellence of our programs and prepare KGI to remain at the forefront of the biotechnology and healthcare industries.”
Foletta brings a wealth of experience as a financial executive and board member, including on Wall Street. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tocagen Inc., a clinical-stage, cancer-selective gene therapy company in San Diego. Prior to Tocagen, Foletta worked for more than a decade as senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in San Diego.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees for Keck Graduate Institute,” Foletta said. “Having spent a large portion of my career working with healthcare companies, I am excited with KGI’s mission and unique approach to develop future leaders in biotechnology and healthcare. I look forward to working with the Board to support their vision to continue to improve healthcare in our communities."
Foletta earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Rhodes has more than 30 years of experience in research, development, and executive leadership across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, drug delivery, and medical device sectors. He is currently the founder, CEO, and chairman of the board for Propel Biologics, Inc., a venture-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego. Rhodes has previously served in several founder, president, CEO, and chief technology officer roles at additional biopharmaceutical companies in San Diego.
Rhodes previously worked with KGI as a member of the former Industry Advisory Council as well as through sponsoring Team Master’s Projects while at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
“I am pleased to join the KGI Board of Trustees to help propel the organization forward at a leadership level after many years of involvement with the KGI team,” said Rhodes. “What impressed me most was the ability of the students to communicate, understand, and lead in their roles in the biotech industry at the time. It is a pleasure to join my fellow trustees in providing business insights and strategies to help KGI move forward in its next phase of growth, continuing to serve the Southern California region as well as biotech, life sciences, and the allied health fields across the country.”
Rhodes earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at New York University and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Zedelmayer brings more than 25 years of experience leading operations, program management, business development, and investor relations for life science companies to the KGI board. She has served as Chief Operating Officer of Equillium, Inc., a public, clinical-stage biotech company based in La Jolla focused on developing medicines for autoimmune and immuno-inflammatory disorders, since 2017. Prior to Equillium, Inc., Zedelmayer was owner, CEO, and principal consultant of Centerra Consulting, LLC, in San Diego.
"I'm honored to join the KGI Board of Trustees,” said Zedelmeyer. “My career began in Southern California's biotech community, and it was built on the mentorship, education, and opportunities others invested in me. I'm grateful for the chance to give back to that ecosystem and help prepare the next generation of life sciences leaders who will bring new medicines to patients."
Zedelmayer earned her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from San Diego State University and an MBA from California Lutheran University.