Leading global organization begins search for successor

NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23, 2018—Derek Rapp, who has led global type 1 diabetes research organization JDRF since 2014, today announced his intention to pass the baton to a new President and CEO in 2019. The International Board of Directors will begin the search for a successor. After ensuring a successful transition to a new leader, Rapp will rejoin the Board.

“We are very grateful for the profound effect Derek has had on the mission of JDRF and the lives touched by T1D over his decades-long commitment to our organization both as a volunteer and executive leader,” said Ellen Leake, Chair of the Board of JDRF. “He reinvigorated the organization, advanced our mission, improved field operations, and helped build best-in-class research and advocacy teams worldwide, and we are excited that he and his family plan to remain an important part of JDRF as volunteers.”

“It has been an honor to lead the outstanding teams at JDRF, and I’m excited about our continued progress toward a world without T1D,” said Rapp. “It’s clear there is still work to be done and in a world with ever-changing challenges and opportunities, it’s imperative to have fresh perspectives and new energy. JDRF is energized and stronger than ever, and we are poised to leverage exceptional changes in healthcare and life sciences as I pass the baton to the next leader.”

“The Board plans to recruit a seasoned non-profit leader who will build capacity and further accelerate our programs,” added Leake. “We all see the potential to leverage big data, form strategic partnerships, and continue to drive commercial investment during a time of great challenges and opportunities in life sciences and technology.”

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion (£1.69 billion) in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org.

About T1D

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.