Guest Contributor Spotlight: A Conversation with Joshua Herring, President & CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation. (Catch the full interview HERE.)
This month in THE KEY, we’re delighted to feature Joshua Herring, President & CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation (LSF). LSF is a tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to advancing the science of healthy aging so people everywhere can live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.
Joshua’s story is as inspiring as the work he leads. He blends rigorous financial expertise with deep personal motivation, bringing a refreshing, people-first perspective to the longevity field. In our conversation, he opens up about why he left the world of ultra-high net-worth wealth management, how his family’s experience with cancer shaped him, and why philanthropy and legacy matter deeply in the longevity conversation.
JOSHUA’S PATH TO LONGEVITY — A STORY OF PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE
Joshua didn’t begin his career in science or medicine—far from it. He worked in ultra‑high‑net‑worth asset management at AllianceBernstein, advising family offices, multigenerational families, and institutions. His work revolved around long-term planning: preserving wealth, shaping legacies, managing future risk, and building financial resilience.
But life had other plans. Both of his parents are cancer survivors, and watching their journeys gave Joshua a front‑row seat to the transformative power of research, early detection, and compassionate medical care. Those experiences stuck with him. He felt an undeniable pull to help others access the same hope his family received. That’s when longevity stopped being an abstract idea—and became a calling.
He realized something that now guides his work at LSF: “We spend so much energy building long-term financial plans. Why aren’t we doing the same for our health?”
His financial background is woven into every part of his leadership at LSF:
This unique blend makes him not only a mission-driven leader, but also an articulate ambassador for a field that can feel intimidating or overly scientific.
THE WORK OF LSF — TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH
LSF was founded in 2022 by biotech investors who recognized a major gap: early-stage longevity research needed more support.
Today, LSF focuses on three core areas:
Joshua explains that LSF thinks in terms of ROV—Return on Value rather than ROI. Their outcomes aren’t measured in dollars, but in healthier years and improved quality of life.
WHAT LONGEVITY REALLY MEANS — QUALITY, NOT JUST QUANTITY
Joshua emphasizes that longevity isn’t about chasing immortality. It’s about:
He also stresses accessibility: longevity must be for everyone—not just those with resources or proximity to top healthcare systems.
THE EXCITING FRONTIERS OF LONGEVITY RESEARCH
Two areas stand out:
“These investments pay dividends—not just for women, but for families and communities across generations,” he explains.
WHY PHILANTHROPY MATTERS — AND WHY NOW
Philanthropy isn’t just a funding mechanism for LSF—it’s the heart of its mission. Joshua has seen firsthand how philanthropy can shape not only institutions, but entire trajectories of human health. And because longevity science is still early in its evolution, philanthropy can move mountains.
Joshua says people are drawn to LSF because:
Unlike some areas of research that take decades to bear fruit, the projects LSF funds are designed to reach real-world application within 2–5 years. That means donors get to see the ripple effects of their giving—not in a distant future, but in their lifetimes.
And, you Don’t Need Millions to Make a Difference. Joshua often says: “A community of people each giving the cost of a burrito could fund life saving research.” He believes deeply in the power of collective impact. Many of LSF’s donors aren’t philanthropists by profession—they’re people who care enough to move the needle.
PHILANTHROPY AS A LEGACY TOOL
This is where Joshua’s financial background shines.
He sees philanthropy as a form of legacy-building—not just for wealth, but for values. He helps donors think about:
Because longevity affects everyone—children, parents, communities—supporting this work becomes a way to shape the health landscape future generations will inherit.
LEGACY & LONGEVITY — A NATURAL PAIRING
Joshua draws a powerful connection between legacy planning and longevity:
He sees longevity science as an opportunity to give future generations a world where aging doesn’t have to mean decline, where prevention is accessible, and where vibrant life isn’t a privilege.
“When you support longevity science,” he says, “you’re investing in the future health of your family—and everyone else’s.”
A STORY THAT REMINDS HIM WHY THE WORK MATTERS
He shares one story often: an 83‑year‑old woman from Maryland who reached out after years of chronic pain and healthcare frustrations. She wasn’t a donor—just someone seeking help.
LSF guided her to the right questions, specialists, and resources. Today, her quality of life looks completely different. “That’s the heart of it,” Joshua says. “Research is essential. But impact happens when people feel seen—and helped—in real time.”
EDUCATION: BRINGING LONGEVITY TO THE WORLD
LSF isn’t just a funder. It’s a teacher. Through articles, social content, partnerships, and community outreach, LSF is making longevity knowledge accessible to:
“We’re not selling anything,” Joshua says. “We’re sharing information that can genuinely change lives.”
Joshua’s final message: “Think about your future. Think about your children’s future. Think about the world you want to help create. There is real urgency here—and you don’t have to know where to start. Reach out. We’ll walk with you.”
CONNECT WITH LSF
LSF is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-deductible.
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