Board of Directors

The CLL Global Research Foundation Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance for the responsible use of research funding. The Board brings together leaders in business, science, medicine, and philanthropy—many with a personal connection to CLL—to help accelerate progress toward better treatments and a cure.

Founder

Michael Keating, M.B., B.S.

Founder, CLL Global Research Foundation
Member, Scientific Advisory Board

Internationally recognized CLL clinical scientist and Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Pioneer in developing novel and combination therapies for CLL.

Executive Leadership

William Wierda, M.D., Ph.D.

President and CEO
Member, Scientific Advisory Board; Audit Committee

Professor and Medical Director in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Leader in immunotherapy and clinical trials for CLL and related diseases.

Board Leadership

Steve Winfield

Board Chair
Member, Investment Committee; Audit Committee; Scientific Advisory Board

Entrepreneur and business leader with 40+ years of experience building and scaling companies across multiple industries. Has served on the CLL Global Board since 2014 and is active in life sciences innovation.

Rich Marschner

Board Vice Chair
Member, Investment Committee; Audit Committee

Former publisher and radio executive with leadership experience in media and nonprofit advocacy, including patient-focused organizations.

Diane Lee Kraitman

Board Secretary
Member, Audit Committee

Board Members

Richard T. Evans

Chairman/Founder, Evans General Contractors

Founder and former CEO (2001–2021) of Evans General Contractors; now Chairman guiding long-term strategy. 40+ years of industry experience. Founder of the Silver Lining Foundation and member of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Martin Raber, M.D.

Member, Investment Committee

Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with expertise in oncology and cancers of unknown primary. Brings both clinical and patient perspectives.

William Plunkett, Ph.D.

Member, Scientific Advisory Board

Professor of Experimental Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Leader in pharmacology and development of novel therapies for hematologic cancers.

Phyllis Gordon Cohen

Attorney and civic leader with experience in commercial litigation and service on academic and cultural boards.

Louis Katopodis

Former President and CEO of Fiesta Mart, Inc. with leadership experience in retail operations and community organizations.

Robert Nichols

President of The Nichols Companies and long-time supporter of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, with leadership roles in development and fundraising initiatives.