Tess Burleson

Tess Burleson, M.B.A., C.P.A. is TGen’s Chief Operating Officer and President of TGen Health Ventures. In addition to the day-to-day operational responsibilities, she works closely with TGen’s Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Scientific Director on strategic planning and oversight.

Ms. Burleson serves as a key link between the scientific and administrative leadership. She is responsible for commercialization of TGen’s intellectual property, from initial evaluation to capitalization and divestiture.  She also maintains responsibility for key strategic business ventures and high priority collaborations with several clinical partners. 

Her career began at KPMG, and she subsequently went to work in the health care industry, including serving as President of a multi-state clinical research company as well as Chief Financial Officer of its health system and medical research organization.

Ms. Burleson has over 20 years of progressive experience in advising and developing key business support operations across a variety of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biomedical R&D.

Ms. Burleson also has experience in managing investment activities, including auditing, developing and maintaining investment policies, selection of investment advisors and money managers, and ensuring compliance while consistently achieving better returns than relevant benchmarks.

Ms. Burleson currently serves on a number of boards, in both for profit and non-profit organizations. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with experience in taxation, audit, and advisory services.