Melanoma Research Alliance Appoints Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D. Chief Science Officer

"I am honored to join the Melanoma Research Alliance as its next Chief Science Officer," said Dr. Hurlbert. "It is a promising time for people diagnosed with melanoma, thanks in large part to MRA’s research investments that have helped to greatly expand available treatments. However, more work is needed to ensure treatments that work for all.”

As Chief Science Officer, Hurlbert will guide MRA’s scientific strategy, and oversee the organization’s peer-reviewed grant-making program and scientific collaborations. He succeeds Louise Perkins, Ph.D., who will retire from the role after serving MRA for more than five years.

“Dr. Hurlbert is a perfect fit for MRA,” said President and CEO Michael Kaplan. “His deep knowledge of drug development, pharmacology, and innovative non-profit-industry partnerships will help us to expand our reach and impact in the field.”

Hurlbert comes to MRA after having spent more than a decade in breast cancer research, most recently three years as the Chief Mission Officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Under his guidance, BCRF awarded $59.5 million in grants to 275 investigators in 2018 and launched several innovative research initiatives including the BCRF Drug Research Collaborative. He earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado, and completed a fellowship at the New York University Medical Center. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas.

“Dr. Hurlbert has an outstanding record as a scientist and leader and we could not be more delighted to have him join MRA,” said Debra Black, co-founder and chair of MRA. “His experience in medical research, deep knowledge of pharmacology and ability to forge and build strategic partnerships will allow him to further propel MRA and its mission forward.”

“I look forward to working closely with MRA’s Board, staff, funded researchers, advisors and supporters to end suffering and death due to melanoma by advancing the world's most promising research,” said Hurlbert.

About Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA)

Founded in 2007 under the auspices of the Milken Institute, with the generous support of Debra and Leon Black, the Melanoma Research Alliance exists to accelerate treatment options and find a cure for melanoma. As the largest nonprofit funder of melanoma research, it has dedicated over $101 million and leveraged an additional $101 million towards its mission. Through its support, MRA has championed revolutions in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, novel combinations and diagnostics. Due to the ongoing support of its founders, 100 percent of donations to MRA go directly to 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 http://www.CureMelanoma.org for more information.

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