Patient Advocate Michael Kaplan to Lead Melanoma Research Alliance

Named head of leading private funder of global melanoma research

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the world’s largest private funder of melanoma research, today named Michael Kaplan as its new leader. For the past 20 years, Kaplan has headed various nonprofits and patient advocacy groups, including his most recent position as President and CEO of Washington, DC-based AIDS United. He will assume the role of MRA’s president and CEO effective July 5.

“Michael has a proven record as a passionate supporter of health research and policy and as a seasoned nonprofit manager. We are delighted to have him join MRA,” said Debra Black, co-founder and chair of MRA. “His success at AIDS United and previous organizations, and a career advocating for better options for patients, make him an ideal candidate to work with our stakeholders on our mission to accelerate research, advance cures and prevent more melanomas. There is so much work to still be done in this space, and we are excited for Michael to bring his experience to this arena.”

“MRA has in its relatively short history established itself as a vital leader in promoting treatments and advancing studies to cure melanoma, a deadly cancer that until only recently has begun to show some progress in its management,” said Kaplan. “I am excited and pleased to have this opportunity to join MRA and help advance its critical agenda, particularly at this pivotal time in cancer research.”

Prior to joining AIDS United, Kaplan held leadership positions at Cascade AIDS Project in Portland, Ore., and the Academy for Educational Development, Futures Group International and the National Youth Advocacy Coalition in Washington, DC. He has served on the boards of several organizations focusing on health issues from HIV/AIDS to behavioral health.

About The Melanoma Research Alliance

MRA is a public charity formed in 2007 under the auspices of the Milken Institute, with the generous founding support of Debra and Leon Black. MRA is the largest private funder of melanoma research and has awarded more than $79 million, and leveraged an additional $81 million, to research seeking to better prevent, diagnose and treat melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Due to the ongoing support of its founders, 100 percent of every dollar MRA raises goes to support its melanoma research program. MRA’s ability to fund wide-ranging research in melanoma is amplified by unique collaborations and partnerships with individuals, private foundations and corporations. Visit www.CureMelanoma.org for more information, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160517006312/en/

Anreder & Company
Steven S. Anreder, 212-532-3232
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Michael Wichman, 212-532-3232
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Source: The Melanoma Research Alliance

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