Contact:
William J. Ahearn: (212) 479-7531 wahearn@jdrf.org
Joana Casas: (212) 479-7560 mcasas@jdrf.org
New York, May 13, 2010 : The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, the world’s largest charitable funder of research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications, said on Thursday, May 13, 2010, that President and Chief Executive Officer Alan J. Lewis, PhD, is resigning. Dr. Lewis, who will continue to be available to JDRF during a transition period, said he was leaving the New York-based foundation for personal reasons, and would be returning to be with his family in Southern California.
Dr. Lewis was named President and CEO in November of 2008.
Leo F. Mullin, Chairman of the Board of JDRF, noted that: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Alan for his leadership since coming to JDRF. As a result of his efforts, research leading to better treatments and cures has made excellent progress, the organization and its people are productive and effective, and the hope for a cure among those touched by type 1 diabetes has never been stronger.”
“I’m extremely grateful to the volunteers, donors, and staff of JDRF for all their support over the last year and a half,” Dr. Lewis said. “I came to JDRF with the highest estimation of the organization and its mission, and in my time there have come to greatly appreciate JDRF’s passion and commitment to a cure. I am leaving with nothing but admiration for the people I have worked with, the volunteers I have met, and everyone who is working towards the time when a cure is at hand.”
Frank Ingrassia, a JDRF board member who will become Chairman of the board in July, will step in as acting CEO. The JDRF executive team will report to Mr. Ingrassia, and Jeffrey Brewer, also a member of the international board, will support Mr. Ingrassia in his duties, with a particular focus on research. Mr. Mullin said that a board committee is coordinating the search for a new President and CEO.
