April 18, 2014
LA JOLLA—The Salk Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of longtime San Diego real estate developer and community builder, Donald Cohn, to its Board of Trustees.
“Don is a successful businessman, philanthropist, and community volunteer.” said Irwin M. Jacobs, Chairman of the Salk Institute Board of Trustees. “His long time interest in basic research has led to his increasing involvement with the Salk Institute over the past several years. We are greatly pleased to have him join our Board of Trustees.”
Mr. Cohn established his business career in San Diego in 1961. From that time through 1979, he was active in the development of over 3,000 residential units both as a builder and investor. He founded Data Quick Information Systems in 1980 where he served as CEO and managed its growth to become the largest real estate information provider in the United States until its sale to Acxiom Corporation in 1995. Subsequently, he acted as founder and CEO of DTS Communications until its sale in 1997. Since that time, he has been an investor in other business ventures and continues to manage his real estate portfolio.
Mr. Cohn is past chair of the Old Globe Theatre and director of the Plaza de Panama Committee (Balboa Park project). In 2006, he and his wife, Karen, gave
$5M to the Old Globe to establish the Karen and Donald Cohn Education Center, the theatre’s first dedicated space for education and outreach programs. The Cohns have also supported the San Diego Opera, San Diego Symphony, The Bishop’s School, University of California San Diego, University of San Diego, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.
Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.
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