Will Lead Operations to Drive Execution, Efficiency, and Organizational Impact
Kansas City, Mo. (June 29, 2026) — MRIGlobal today announced the appointment of Shannon Toma as Chief Operating Officer, effective June 29. In this role, she will lead enterprise operations, ensuring alignment across the organization to strengthen strategic execution, operational efficiency, and organizational growth and impact in support of MRIGlobal’s mission. Her leadership will further enable MRIGlobal to scale its impact across global health and national security sectors.
“Shannon brings a proven ability to lead complex organizations and deliver results. We believe that she will empower employees and foster their growth, while creating an environment where scientists thrive and drive business development,” said Ian Colrain, Ph.D., President & CEO, MRIGlobal. “As we continue to grow and expand our impact, I’m confident that her leadership will strengthen MRIGlobal and help us operate with the speed, discipline, and excellence our customers expect.”
Toma joins MRIGlobal from Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, where she served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. In that role, she held enterprise accountability for operations, profit and loss, infrastructure, business development, and program delivery across regulated applied research portfolios.
During her tenure at Lovelace, Toma played a key role in diversifying the organization’s business portfolio, establishing its first dedicated business development function, and significantly increasing commercial revenue while reducing reliance on government funding. She also led long-term infrastructure modernization initiatives for their facilities and served as a primary executive interface for senior officials across a range of federal agencies.
“I’m excited to join MRIGlobal at such a pivotal time. The organization’s mission, talent, and capabilities are exceptional,” said Toma. “I look forward to working alongside the team to strengthen operations, enhance collaboration, and deliver meaningful impact for our clients and partners. The work MRIGlobal performs is critical to solving complex challenges in global health and national security, improving people’s lives around the world.”
Earlier in her career, Toma held leadership and financial roles at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Computer Sciences Corporation, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Kyocera Wireless. She brings more than 20 years of experience spanning not-for-profit research and commercial sectors.
Toma holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Connecticut and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), and the Association of Independent Research Institutes (AIRI).
About MRIGlobal
MRIGlobal is an independent, nonprofit research institute that delivers scientific and engineering solutions to improve lives, protect national security, and advance global health. Since 1943, MRIGlobal has performed customized research and development for government and commercial partners, including advanced diagnostics, chemical and biological threat detection and mitigation, engineering services, and mobile laboratory and transport solutions.
For more information or media requests, contact Mark Crouser at mcrouser@mriglobal.org or (816) 582-8839.