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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research, has formally announced the appointment of John Polson to its Board of Directors. Polson, who currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Partner of the international labor and employment law firm Fisher Phillips, joins the board at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. His appointment follows years of collaborative philanthropic efforts between his firm and the non-profit, signaling a deepening of a relationship aimed at addressing the critical funding and developmental gaps in the field of pediatric oncology. With over three decades of legal expertise and executive leadership experience, Polson is expected to provide strategic oversight as CureSearch continues to outpace national averages in transitioning laboratory research into life-saving clinical trials.
A Legacy of Leadership and Legal Expertise
John Polson’s professional background is defined by a 30-year career in the legal sector, characterized by steady climbs through the ranks of one of the United States’ most prominent labor and employment law firms. As the Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips, Polson oversees the strategic direction, financial health, and operational efficiency of 41 offices across the United States and internationally. Under his stewardship, the firm has not only expanded its geographical footprint but has also solidified its reputation as a top-tier legal institution. Fisher Phillips consistently earns high marks in prestigious industry rankings, including The Best Lawyers in America and The Legal 500, which recognize the firm’s excellence in representing management in diverse workplace matters.
Polson’s transition into a formal leadership role at CureSearch is viewed by industry analysts as a strategic move to integrate high-level corporate governance with non-profit advocacy. In the non-profit sector, boards of directors are increasingly seeking leaders from the legal and corporate spheres who can navigate complex regulatory environments, manage large-scale fundraising initiatives, and implement rigorous organizational scaling. Polson’s experience in managing a global workforce and navigating the intricacies of employment law provides CureSearch with a unique perspective on organizational resilience and risk management.
The Evolution of a Philanthropic Partnership
The appointment of John Polson is the culmination of a long-standing and productive relationship between Fisher Phillips and CureSearch. This partnership has been largely driven by "FP Cares," the philanthropic arm of Fisher Phillips, which has prioritized pediatric cancer research as a cornerstone of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Under Polson’s guidance, FP Cares has successfully raised more than $200,000 for CureSearch, providing essential capital for the organization’s research grants.
Beyond financial contributions, Polson has championed engagement-driven initiatives that humanize the struggle of families battling pediatric cancer. One of the most notable programs is the "Notes of Hope" campaign. During this initiative, employees across Fisher Phillips’ 41 offices authored thousands of handwritten letters to children undergoing intensive cancer treatments. This campaign served a dual purpose: providing emotional support to patients and their families while fostering a culture of empathy and purpose within the firm’s workforce.
In recognition of these sustained efforts, CureSearch previously honored Fisher Phillips with the "Champion for Cures" award. This accolade is reserved for corporate partners who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the organization’s mission through both financial support and advocacy. Polson’s elevation to the Board of Directors ensures that the momentum generated by these past initiatives will be channeled into the organization’s long-term strategic planning.
Addressing the Crisis in Pediatric Cancer Research
The context of Polson’s appointment is framed by a sobering reality in the medical research landscape. Despite significant advancements in adult oncology, pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Every year, more than 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, yet the development of new treatments specifically designed for younger patients lags far behind those for adults.
A primary hurdle in this field is the "Valley of Death," a term used in the pharmaceutical industry to describe the gap between initial laboratory discoveries and the commencement of clinical trials. Because pediatric cancers are relatively rare compared to adult cancers, pharmaceutical companies often find less financial incentive to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars required for drug development. Consequently, many promising therapies languish in the preclinical phase due to a lack of funding and specialized expertise.
CureSearch has positioned itself as a catalyst to bridge this gap. The organization’s current performance metrics are significantly higher than the industry standard. While the national average for cancer research projects advancing from the preclinical stage to clinical trials is approximately 8%, CureSearch-funded projects boast a success rate of 60%. This nearly eight-fold increase is attributed to the organization’s rigorous vetting process and its focus on "translational" research—studies that have a clear and direct path to being tested in human patients.
Strategic Objectives and the Role of the Board
As a member of the Board of Directors, Polson will join a diverse group of stakeholders, including oncologists, business executives, and patient advocates. The board’s primary responsibility is to ensure that CureSearch remains financially solvent and strategically focused on its mission to "fast-track" pediatric treatments.
Kay Koehler, President and CEO of CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, emphasized the value of Polson’s specific skill set in a statement following the announcement. Koehler noted that Polson’s ability to build strong, lasting relationships and his proven track record in social impact initiatives will be instrumental as the organization seeks to expand its reach. The goal is to move beyond traditional grant-making and move toward a model that involves deeper collaboration with biotechnology firms and regulatory bodies to streamline the approval process for pediatric drugs.
The board is also tasked with overseeing the "CureSearch Catapult" program, which provides significant funding to research teams that are on the verge of clinical breakthroughs. By bringing in a leader like Polson, who is accustomed to the high-stakes environment of international law and corporate management, CureSearch aims to refine the business logic of its philanthropic investments, ensuring that every dollar raised has the maximum possible impact on patient outcomes.
Broader Implications for Corporate Social Responsibility
Polson’s appointment also reflects a broader trend in the corporate world where high-level executives are taking more active, hands-on roles in non-profit governance. This shift represents an evolution from "checkbook philanthropy" to "engaged leadership." For a firm like Fisher Phillips, having its Managing Partner on the board of a major health organization enhances its brand reputation and aligns its corporate values with a cause that resonates with employees and clients alike.
From a journalistic perspective, the move underscores the increasing professionalization of the non-profit sector. Organizations like CureSearch are no longer just "charities" in the traditional sense; they are sophisticated research-funding engines that require the same level of strategic rigor as the for-profit companies they partner with. Polson’s experience in scaling operations and managing complex international structures will be vital as CureSearch looks to influence global standards for pediatric oncology.
A Personal Commitment to the Cause
For John Polson, the appointment is more than a professional milestone; it is a personal mission. In his public comments regarding the appointment, Polson expressed that the fight against childhood cancer is a cause "very close to his heart." This personal alignment is often a key indicator of a board member’s long-term effectiveness, as it ensures a level of dedication that goes beyond fiduciary duty.
"I am honored to join CureSearch in their fight to end childhood cancer," Polson stated. "This is a cause that is very close to my heart, and I look forward to helping drive the organization’s critical work in advancing research and providing hope to children and families affected by cancer."
Looking Ahead: The Future of CureSearch
With Polson on the board, CureSearch is expected to intensify its efforts to advocate for policy changes that support pediatric drug development. This includes working with the FDA and other regulatory agencies to ensure that the unique biological needs of children are considered in the drug approval pipeline. Furthermore, Polson’s legal background may assist the organization in navigating the intellectual property and licensing complexities that often arise when transitioning research from academic institutions to the private sector.
As the organization moves into its next phase of growth, the focus will remain on the 60% transition rate that has set it apart from its peers. By maintaining this high efficiency, CureSearch aims to prove that a focused, business-minded approach to philanthropy can solve some of the most challenging problems in modern medicine. The addition of John Polson to the leadership team is a clear signal that CureSearch intends to remain at the forefront of the battle to ensure that every child diagnosed with cancer has a chance at a healthy, cancer-free future.
