Damian N. Desiderio | Marine Biological Laboratory

Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Smiling man with short dark hair wearing a pink shirt and dark sweater.

Damian N. Desiderio is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the Marine Biological Laboratory. In this role, he oversees MBL’s financial operations and institutional planning, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational strategy to support the laboratory’s research and education mission.

Mr. Desiderio brings more than 24 years of experience leading financial management and operations within nonprofit research organizations. Prior to joining MBL, he spent over two decades at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he most recently served as Senior Director of Budget and Financial Operations. During his tenure, he directed financial management, accounting, budgeting, and reporting functions, implemented internal financial control policies, and led initiatives to strengthen financial systems and operational efficiencies. He also served concurrently as Treasurer of CSHL Asia, overseeing financial governance and strategic planning for the organization’s Asian conference programs.

Mr. Desiderio held several leadership roles at CSHL, including Budget Director, Comptroller, Director of Accounting, and Assistant Comptroller, where he managed financial operations, developed forecasting and budgeting processes, oversaw compliance and audit reporting, and led large multidisciplinary teams. His career began in public accounting, where he worked in audit and financial reporting roles serving nonprofit and institutional clients.

Mr. Desiderio received a B.B.A. in Public Accounting from Hofstra University, with a minor in History. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).