FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Margetta Thomas, Communications Manager
margetta.thomas@curesearch.org
Bethesda, Md. – February 7, 2022 – CureSearch for Children’s Cancer announced today the appointment of Tina Swallow, a leader in the cyber security industry, and Samuel C. Blackman, MD, PhD, a leader in the pediatric oncology drug development community, to its Board of Directors.
Ms. Swallow and Dr. Blackman will work to advance CureSearch’s mission to end childhood cancer, and accelerate the development of safe, effective treatments.
Ms. Swallow currently serves as the sales director for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community at Trellix. In her role, she partners with a team of professionals that provide her customers with critical leading edge cyber security solutions. She also served in the Navy as the commanding officer of US Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East where she supported Indo-Pacific and Central Command Combatant Command Operations, leading nine Navy and Marine Corps communications network detachments across Guam, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Diego Garcia.
Ms. Swallow is also the mother of a childhood cancer survivor, and has been a supporter and fundraiser for CureSearch since 2010. In 2020, she was named the National Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for her fundraising efforts.
“Tina has a strong passion for supporting childhood cancer research and understands the challenges facing patients and families today,” said Kay Koehler, president and CEO of CureSearch. “That passion, combined with her strong leadership, volunteer, fundraising and technology experience, makes Tina an incredible asset to our board and the children we serve.”
Dr. Blackman, a physician-scientist trained in pediatric hematology/oncology and neuro-oncology, is the cofounder and chief medical officer of Day One Biopharmaceuticals. Prior to founding Day One, Dr. Blackman was head of clinical development at Mavupharma, where he led the advancement of a novel immunotherapeutic towards Phase 1 clinical trials. He has also led the early clinical development of more than 10 novel cancer therapeutics.
In addition, Dr. Blackman previously served as an ad hoc Board member while he chaired the CureSearch Industry Advisory Council (IAC), which reviews potential research projects for clinical, commercial and regulatory feasibility. He also co-chaired the inaugural CureSearch Pediatric Early Development Symposium (PEDS) in 2020 and helped devise organizational strategy in convening industry and academia to drive new drug development.
“Sam has made significant contributions to the CureSearch mission during his time as chair of the IAC and we’re grateful that he will continue his commitment to bringing children to the forefront of drug development,” said Jared Brancazio, chair of the CureSearch Board of Directors and vice president of investments at Brancazio Wealth Management of Raymond James.
To learn more about CureSearch’s Board of Directors, visit curesearch.org/board-of-directors.
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About CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a national nonprofit organization based in Bethesda, Md., works to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. CureSearch focuses on advancing the strongest research out of the laboratory and into clinical trials and development, where better, less-toxic treatments can quickly help children. To learn more visit curesearch.org.