Thane J. Peterson is an accomplished senior administrator with more than three decades of leadership experience across academic medicine, research institutes, and health care organizations. He currently serves as Vice Dean for Finance & Administration at Wayne State University School of Medicine and Associate Vice President for Health Affairs, where he oversees a $400 million medical school enterprise, leads strategic planning and organizational development, and directs all financial, administrative, and operational functions across the institution’s clinical, academic, and research missions.

Mr. Peterson provides executive oversight for medical school budgeting, human resources, IT, facilities, CME, investments, research administration, and accreditation-related operations. He also manages more than one million square feet of research and administrative space and serves as CFO and Treasurer of the Fund for Medical Research & Education. His leadership helped secure major institutional achievements, including a $100 million state grant for a new medical school building and a $71 million contract to oversee the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Peterson held senior executive positions at the Regenstrief Institute, Telligen, Iowa State University, UnityPoint Health, and other leading organizations, consistently strengthening research infrastructure, operational performance, compliance systems, and external partnerships.

Mr. Peterson holds a Master of Public Administration from Drake University and is recognized for his expertise in finance, research administration, strategic growth, and organizational transformation—making him a valued contributor to the Hamilton University Advisory Group.