Alexander “Craig” Mackinnon, M.D., Ph.D., Robert B. Adams Endowed Professor in Pathology and Division Director, Genomic Diagnostics and Bioinformatics, has been named Executive Vice Chair in the UAB Department of Pathology, effective January 6, 2025.

A board-certified anatomical and molecular genetic pathologist, Mackinnon joined UAB in 2019 after serving as associate professor and director of the Clinical and Translational Research Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Mackinnon was named the Robert B. Adams Endowed Professor in Pathology in 2023 because of his innovative leadership in genomic diagnostics and the field of pathology at large. His research interests include the molecular pathology of solid tumors and quantitative immunohistochemistry. He is an active member and has severed on numerous committees of the Association of Molecular Pathology, the American Society of Clinical Pathology, the College of American Pathologists, and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology.

“Craig’s commitment to the department, vision for academic medicine and executive ability are exceptional qualifications for this important role,” said Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, M.D., Ph.D., Robert and Ruth Anderson Endowed Chair in Pathology. “I look forward to working with him in this esteemed position.”

Mackinnon will assume the role from Gene P. Siegal, M.D., Ph.D., who began serving in the position in 2008 and has recently retired from the department. Responsibilities of this role include acting as lead faculty partner to the chair, assisting in providing direction for the department’s vice chairs and division directors and defining and articulating strategic initiatives and plans.

“I am truly honored to serve in this capacity,” said Mackinnon. “I am committed to contributing positively to the continued success of the UAB Department of Pathology.”