Our Team
We bring a combined 30+ years of FDA experience leveraging innovative science to cure regulatory bottlenecks and advance new cures to patients faster.
David Strauss, MD, PhD
Founder and CEO
Prior to founding Translational Cures, Dr. Strauss served for 14 years at the U.S. FDA, including most recently as FDA Acting Chief Scientist while the agency implemented the largest reorganization in its history, bringing ~1,000 staff into the Office of the Chief Scientist. In this executive leadership role, he led cross-cutting, collaborative initiatives that catalyzed FDA science, innovation, and research to help the agency address its most pressing regulatory and public health challenges.
Dr. Strauss also worked for 9 years in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation & Research (as Director of the Division of Applied Regulatory Science and Senior Advisor for Translational & Experimental Medicine), and for 5 years in FDA’s Center for Devices & Radiological Health as a Medical Officer. As Director of the Division of Applied Regulatory Science, he grew the organization and positioned it as an internal consulting and applied research group for FDA leadership and staff to leverage and solve its most pressing regulatory questions.
Links: FDA Office of the Chief Scientist website and video
Linkedin
Kristin Prentice, MS, PMP
Chief Operating Officer
With 18 years of experience managing complex technical research projects and leading large, cross-functional teams, Kristin is a seasoned leader renowned for her ability to drive operational excellence and build sustainable organizations. Her technical expertise, coupled with a strong track record in leadership, has empowered her to successfully navigate and deliver high-impact initiatives for government agencies. Notably, Kristin spent eight years at the FDA, where she led teams both in the Office of the Commissioner and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. During this time, she was instrumental in the establishment of new organizations, the development of infrastructure for long-term growth, and the leadership of several strategic initiatives. Her ability to blend technical insight with strategic vision has consistently delivered transformative results for both her teams and the organizations she serves.
As COO, Kristin will leverage her technical insights and leadership abilities to streamline operations, foster innovation, and propel the company's growth, ensuring the delivery of groundbreaking solutions in drug development.
Jose Vicente, PhD
Chief Data Officer
Dr. Vicente is a distinguished Computer Scientist and Biomedical Engineer with over 10 years of experience at the FDA and more than a decade of experience in academia and industry. Renowned for his unique blend of technical and scientific expertise, he has made significant contributions to streamlining drug evaluation through innovative data integration methods. As an internationally recognized expert, Dr. Vicente has been instrumental in advancing regulatory science and shaping impactful FDA initiatives and global collaborations.
A prolific researcher with over 100 scientific publications, Dr. Vicente has led multidisciplinary teams across the FDA and international organizations, driving advancements in cardiac safety research, data standards, and regulatory science. His work has not only influenced drug evaluation and regulatory practices worldwide but also fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of scientific and regulatory processes.
Links: LinkedIn