Moffitt Cancer Center Announces Dr. Josh Carpenter as President of SPEROS FL
TAMPA, Fla. — Moffitt Cancer Center, a leading National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and its wholly owned subsidiary SPEROS FL, a 775-acre global innovation campus in Pasco County, today announced Josh Carpenter, D.Phil., as the president of Speros and Moffitt’s chief integration officer. Carpenter, an accomplished leader with a proven track record in economic development and research commercialization, will lead Speros as it evolves into a premier destination for life sciences and biotechnology.
As president of Speros, Carpenter will unite Speros and Moffitt’s clinical and research expertise with commercial partners to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment. Carpenter will also serve as the chief integration officer and vice president for Moffitt, overseeing strategic alignment between the cancer center and Speros. Carpenter’s leadership will be instrumental in transforming the campus into the premier Southeast location for breakthroughs and treatments requiring a creative blend of space, specialized equipment, talent and expertise — all bolstered by Moffitt’s legacy of innovation.
“Dr. Carpenter brings a rare blend of visionary leadership and economic expertise that will propel Speros into its next phase of growth,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt. “With his guidance, we will shape Speros into a global model for groundbreaking discoveries and patient outcomes.”
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Carpenter to our mission. Speros is an ambitious endeavor that requires bold thinking, strategic vision and a relentless commitment to innovation — qualities that define Dr. Carpenter’s leadership,” said Marty Lanahan, Speros Board of Directors chair. “His ability to launch large-scale initiatives, develop strategic partnerships and secure critical investments will be invaluable as we unlock the full potential of Speros.”
Carpenter brings a strong background in translational research, biotech commercialization and economic development to his role. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Southern Research, a nonprofit research institute dedicated to drug discovery, genomic data science and biotechnology. Under his leadership, the institute secured over $100 million in capital to modernize lab space and advance biotech initiatives, including the creation of a clinical-genomic database to expand clinical trial access for underserved communities. During his tenure, Carpenter also spearheaded efforts that awarded $44 million in federal funding to establish Birmingham as a designated Regional Tech Hub.
Prior to Southern Research, Carpenter was a senior executive in the city of Birmingham, where he led economic and real estate development initiatives. His work included launching the Birmingham Promise, which raised $24 million to fund apprenticeships and scholarships for public school students. He has also held leadership and faculty roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Recognized as one of Birmingham’s most influential executives, Carpenter has published research on economic development, workforce policy and public health.
A Rhodes scholar, Carpenter holds a doctorate in political economy from the University of Oxford. He has served on multiple national advisory boards, including the National Academy of Sciences’ STEMM Workforce Committee and the Association of American Rhodes Scholars. Known for his leadership in economic competitiveness and health policy, Carpenter is committed to advancing scientific research, fostering public-private partnerships and improving access to health care solutions.
“Speros is a derivative of a Latin word that means ‘to hope,’” Carpenter said. “At Speros, we’re bringing hope to cancer patients and their families. Hope for scientists on the verge of breakthroughs who need industry collaboration. Hope for physicians who want to integrate innovation into their daily practice. Hope for bringing quality jobs to Pasco County and securing Florida’s place in the global bioeconomy. Speros makes this hope possible. Together with Moffitt and our industry partners, we will build a place where science, technology and medicine unite to create a healthier future for all.”
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-844-495-1371), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About SPEROS FL
Speros FL is a 775-acre campus in Pasco County, Florida, designed to accelerate cancer prevention and treatment through strategic industry partnerships and by forging collaborative space for scientific research and clinical care. Propelled by Moffitt Cancer Center, Speros imagines a new frontier for research and development with a mission-driven real estate venture where groundbreaking discoveries become lifesaving treatments. For more information, visit SperosFL.org.
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