# Thomas E. D’Ambra

> Thomas E. D’Ambra is a chemist and entrepreneur who co-founded Albany Molecular Research, now Curia, with Chester Opalka in 1991. He led the business as CEO through 2013 and later served as chairman until 2017. His career also includes Sterling Winthrop, Coromed and Pharmapotheca A, alongside support for university chemistry teaching and research.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer and Board Member at Pharmapotheca A (listed in the company’s public biography)
- **Organizations:** Albany Molecular Research / Curia, Pharmapotheca A, Adora Life Sciences, Coromed, Sterling Winthrop
- **Education:** B.A. in chemistry, College of the Holy Cross, Ph.D. in organic chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- **Known for:** Co-founded AMRI and led it as CEO from 1991 through 2013., Named as an inventor on more than 30 U.S. patents in published institutional biographies., 2003 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year national finalist.

## Career timeline

- **1982–1989** — Research chemist and later group leader at Sterling Winthrop.
- **1989–1991** — Co-founder and Vice President, Chemistry at Coromed.
- **1991** — Co-founded Albany Molecular Research with Chester Opalka.
- **1999** — AMRI began trading on NASDAQ.
- **2003** — National finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
- **2008** — Inducted into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame.
- **2013** — Retired as AMRI CEO effective December 31.
- **2014** — Resumed the AMRI chairmanship and was selected to give UAlbany’s graduate commencement address.
- **2017** — Ended his AMRI chairmanship.
- **2020** — Joined Pharmapotheca A to lead expansion planning, fundraising and execution.
- **2021** — AMRI relaunched as Curia, after his CEO tenure.

## Achievements

- Co-founded AMRI and led it as CEO from 1991 through 2013.
- Named as an inventor on more than 30 U.S. patents in published institutional biographies.
- 2003 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year national finalist.
- Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame inductee, May 2008.
- Supported chemistry education with Connie D’Ambra, including gifts to UAlbany, RPI and Holy Cross.

## Latest updates

- **2024-04** — Bhaskar Venepalli shared a photograph with D’Ambra at DCAT Week in New York and praised his influence on fellow chemistry entrepreneurs.
- **2022-01** — Christopher Cioffi became RPI’s inaugural Thomas and Constance D’Ambra Professor of Medicinal Organic Chemistry.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-d-ambra-4722501b8

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/thomas-e-dambra
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Last updated: 2026-10-18