Risa Starr

Risa Starr is the Founding Executive Director of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research and the Longevity Biotechnology Association. Her career spans technology, public health, and corporate strategy. She has played a pivotal role in shaping direction, fundraising, and governance of these organizations. She specializes in creating strategic partnerships, organizing high-impact conferences, and driving initiatives that advance the field of healthspan and aging science.

With an extensive background in operations, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Risa previously was part of the NYC COVID-19 response initiatives as Associate Director of Operations/Project Manager for NYC’s Test and Trace Corps. She has also contributed to leading healthcare organizations, including Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, and served as Senior Manager of Marketing and Development at the Migraine Research Foundation, where she successfully cultivated donor relationships and expanded fundraising efforts.

Earlier in her career, Risa held strategic and business development roles at Apple, IBM, and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, driving revenue growth and market expansion for Fortune 500 clients. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a Division 1 Varsity Tennis athlete.

With a passion for innovation in healthspan, Risa is dedicated to fostering collaboration among researchers, biotech leaders, and investors to set new standards in the field of aging science. Her greatest achievement though is raising and enjoying her 4 adult offspring.