Just the FACTs 2024 Volume 2
President’s Letter
With tremendous enthusiasm, I announce a leadership transition and restructuring, adding even more organizational capacity to FACT. Following a months-long search and vetting process, FACT’s Board has appointed Mr. David Schmahl as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. David’s leadership talents, nonprofit management knowledge, and skills for driving organizational growth will be a significant addition to our already stellar Headquarters operations. Linda Miller will be shifting to a role most aligned with her professional passion, that of Chief Operating Officer for FACT. David and Linda will form an ideal partnership of talents and skills, alongside the expertise of our longstanding Chief Medical Officer Phyllis Warkentin, MD. I’m thrilled with the chemistry we see among these FACT leaders and their shared enthusiasm for our mission.
I am also grateful for the service of outgoing Board Member Elizabeth Shpall, MD, spanning 25 years following her role as the Inaugural FACT Board President. Thanks also to Board Members who will serve as new or reappointed leaders: Abba Zubair, MD, PhD; Navneet Majhail, MD, MS, FASTCT; Eneida Nemecek, MD; and Phillip Johnson, MMedSc(Path).
Congratulations are in order for additional esteemed FACT leaders. Paul Eldridge, PhD; Ngaire Elwood, PhD; and Joseph Schwartz, MD, MPH received well-deserved awards from prominent organizations. Thank you for being champions of cellular therapy and leading countless others.
We have more good news to share in this newsletter. FACT Consulting Services has officially launched its Audit & Assessment Services intended to alleviate the audit burden on healthcare institutions and industry while rapidly assessing new cellular therapy programs. Tata Medical Center earned the first FACT accreditation in India. Two FACT educational events are open for registration.
As evident above, FACT is fulfilling its strategic plan to strengthen infrastructure, lead the cellular therapy field effectively, and increase patient access to therapies. Thank you to the hundreds of you around the world that are contributing to our mission.
Sincerely,
Catherine Bollard, MD
FACT President
