As an organization that prides itself on being a leader in the blood cancer community, the MMRF continually evaluates its business plan to strengthen its efforts and recognize individuals who would easily qualify as a board nominee. Occasionally, there are individuals who, for a variety of reasons are unable to assume or commit to the governance responsibilities of board directorship. To address this, the MMRF Board recently established the MMRF Leadership Council, an executive advisory board, consisting of a select group of high profile individuals, who have helped raise awareness and funds toward the Foundation's goal of accelerating the search for a cure. The MMRF Leadership Council will include prominent business executives who are willing to commit to a limited role serving as an advisor to the organization, providing their expertise, knowledge and resources.
The MMRF Leadership Council will provide an opportunity for members to continue their affiliation and support of MMRF's mission and programs and help to:
- Identify sources of support and, as appropriate, assist in the outreach for private and public funding.
- Share their knowledge and experience and alert the MMRF to information and opportunities that can enhance the organization.
- Serve as ambassadors for the MMRF and its programs.
Lester Knight
Founding and Managing Partner
RoundTable Healthcare Partners
Lester's support and commitment to the MMRF has been nothing short of amazing. He served
as Corporate Chair for the 2003 Chicago Awards Dinner, helping to achieve $1 million in
support for the first time in its four year history. Lester was instrumental in engaging Phil
Purcell, former CEO of Morgan Stanley, as the 2005 Chicago Dinner Corporate Chair. Lester
has served as a dinner chair for the last four Chicago Events and has helped to bring to these
events several colleagues and business associates at the $25,000 Dinner Chair level.
Robert Wolf
Chairman and CEO, UBS Americas
President and COO, UBS Investment Bank
President and COO, UBS Investment Bank
Robert's commitment and dedication to the MMRF has been stellar. Starting with six years of
service on the MMRF Board of Directors, Robert provided strong leadership and assistance
with Board Development and Fundraising. Robert raised more than $2 million to support the
MMRF's efforts through his business contacts sponsorsing the MMRF Annual Fall Gala.
Robert was responsible for engaging John Costas, CEO, UBS, as Fall Gala Corporate Chair
(2002), resulting in the first MMRF event to exceed $1 million raised. He was instrumental in
bringing Linda McMahon, CEO of WWE, as Corporate Chair for the 2003 Fall Gala, the
second Fall Gala to raise over $1 million. Robert, and his wife Carol, in support of the
MMRF's efforts, have also generously made donations.