JDRF appoints Derek Rapp as new President & CEO

July 21, 2014Scott Benner

From PR Newswire - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jdrf-appoints-derek-rapp-as-new-president--ceo-267933101.html

NEW YORK, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- JDRF's International Board of Directors (IBOD) announced today the appointment of Derek Rapp, currently Vice Chair of the JDRF International Board of Directors, as its new President and CEO.

Rapp replaces Jeffrey Brewer who recently left his role as JDRF President and CEO since 2010. "Jeffrey Brewer has been a transformational CEO for JDRF," said John Brady, Chairman of the JDRF IBOD. "Because of his vision and leadership, we are on the verge of life-changing breakthroughs that will fundamentally improve the way people live with T1D. His relentless passion to drive our artificial pancreas program has truly earned him the moniker 'Father of the Artificial Pancreas.' And his steadfast commitment to realize promising beta cell encapsulation therapy has brought this therapy closer to reality. JDRF is a stronger, more efficient and more focused organization than it was four years ago. We are deeply grateful for the outstanding contributions he has made that have brought us closer than ever to creating a world without T1D."

"It is an honor to assume the role as JDRF's President and CEO," said Rapp. "JDRF is a unique organization with a powerful mission. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Jeffrey Brewer has created. I am excited to lead our incredibly talented team as we work together to deliver life-changing treatments, and eventually a cure, to those living with T1D today, on our way to preventing the disease for generations to come. In the end, I know that we will succeed because the passion, determination, and dedication of our donors and our army of volunteers across the world will accept nothing less."

Rapp has most recently been the Mergers and Acquisitions Lead for Monsanto Company and previously served 10 years as CEO of Divergence, Inc. a start-up biotechnology company. Rapp has been involved with JDRF since his son, Turner, was diagnosed with the disease in 2004. He has served on the JDRF IBOD since 2010. In addition to that role, he has served as Research Chair and as a member of the Research Committee, the Lay Review Committee, the Strategic Alliances Committee, the Development Committee, and the Advocacy Committee. His wife, Emily, recently completed a term as Board President for the Greater Missouri/Southern Illinois Chapter of JDRF.

"We are excited to have a volunteer such as Derek, who has the business acumen and management experience to lead our organization, as well as a track record of passionate and effective volunteer leadership, assume the helm of JDRF," said Brady. "Derek has been a successful CEO of a biotechnology start-up, and recently served as a senior executive of a complicated, global biotechnology business. He combines a strong understanding of what JDRF needs at this pivotal time with the kind of managerial intellect we believe will ensure a seamless transition."