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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a preeminent national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the funding gap in pediatric oncology, has officially announced the appointment of three new members to its national Board of Directors. The new appointees—Julianne Averill, Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, and Mike Crowe—bring a combined wealth of expertise spanning biotechnology finance, clinical drug development, and global information technology. These strategic appointments come at a pivotal moment for the organization as it seeks to bridge the "valley of death" in drug development, ensuring that high-potential laboratory discoveries are successfully transitioned into life-saving clinical treatments for children. By integrating leaders with deep roots in both the commercial and scientific sectors, CureSearch aims to refine its governance and strategic oversight, further solidifying its position as a catalyst for innovation in the pediatric cancer landscape.
Strategic Leadership in the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
The addition of these three leaders reflects a broader trend in the non-profit sector toward "venture philanthropy," an approach that applies the rigors of venture capital and industrial efficiency to charitable goals. CureSearch has long distinguished itself by not merely funding basic science, but by actively managing a portfolio of research projects that have the highest probability of reaching the market and, ultimately, the bedside. The new board members are expected to play a critical role in this mission, leveraging their professional networks and technical acumen to overcome the systemic barriers that have historically slowed the development of pediatric-specific therapies.
Julianne Averill, a veteran in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, joins the board with over two decades of experience in financial leadership and strategic advisory. As a Managing Director at Danforth Health, Averill has established a reputation for helping science-driven organizations navigate the complexities of the biotech ecosystem. Her expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the healthcare space is particularly relevant as the industry increasingly turns to machine learning to identify biomarkers and streamline drug discovery. Averill’s role on the board will likely focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of CureSearch’s initiatives and maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance.
Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik’s appointment represents a deepening of the organization’s clinical and scientific expertise. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Inovio, Dr. Skolnik is a trained pediatric hematologist-oncologist with an extensive background in immuno-oncology DNA medicines. His previous leadership roles at global pharmaceutical giants such as AstraZeneca and GSK provide him with a unique perspective on the hurdles of drug approval and commercialization. Having served as the Chair of the CureSearch Industry Advisory Council (IAC) for several years, Dr. Skolnik’s transition to the Board of Directors ensures that the organization’s research investments remain grounded in clinical reality.
Mike Crowe brings a robust background in digital infrastructure and large-scale organizational management. As the retired Chief Information Officer of Colgate-Palmolive, Crowe managed global technology strategies for over three decades. His appointment is also deeply personal; following the loss of his son, Steven, his family established "Team Steve: The Steven Crowe Legacy Fund" at CureSearch. This blend of high-level technical expertise and personal advocacy provides the board with a dual perspective on the importance of data-driven research and the urgent human need for better treatment options.
The Landscape of Pediatric Oncology and the Funding Disparity
To understand the significance of these appointments, one must consider the current state of pediatric cancer research in the United States. While survival rates for certain types of childhood leukemia have improved significantly over the last few decades, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in the U.S. Each year, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, yet the development of new treatments specifically for this demographic lags far behind adult oncology.
Data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicates that while adult cancers receive substantial federal and private investment, pediatric cancers often fall into the category of "orphan diseases" due to the relatively small number of patients compared to adult populations. This creates a market disincentive for large pharmaceutical companies to invest in pediatric-specific research and development (R&D). Consequently, many promising compounds discovered in academic labs never reach the clinical trial phase because they lack the necessary "de-risking" that private investors require.
CureSearch addresses this disparity by funding research that is specifically designed to move through the regulatory pipeline. The organization’s model relies on a rigorous dual-review process involving both a Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) and an Industry Advisory Council (IAC). This ensures that projects are not only scientifically sound but also have a clear path to commercialization and FDA approval.
A Chronology of Innovation and Governance
The appointment of Averill, Skolnik, and Crowe is the latest step in a multi-year effort by CureSearch to evolve its organizational structure. Over the past decade, the organization has shifted its focus from broad research grants to targeted "Catapult Awards" and "Impact Awards," which are designed to fund late-stage preclinical research.
In 2023, the organization saw a significant increase in its collaborative efforts with the biotech industry, largely driven by the Industry Advisory Council. Dr. Skolnik’s leadership during this period was instrumental in refining the criteria for project selection, focusing on therapies that could be fast-tracked through the FDA’s Orphan Drug designation. The establishment of the Steven Crowe Legacy Fund in early 2023 further expanded the organization’s reach, providing dedicated resources for high-risk, high-reward research projects.
The 2025 Scientific Visionary Award, recently bestowed upon Dr. Skolnik, serves as a milestone in this chronology. The award recognizes his career-long commitment to pediatric oncology and his specific contributions to the CureSearch mission. His elevation to the Board of Directors coincides with the organization’s preparation for its next five-year strategic plan, which is expected to emphasize the integration of AI and big data in pediatric drug screening.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
Leadership within CureSearch has expressed strong confidence in the new board members. In internal communications and public statements, the organization emphasized that the diversity of the new members’ backgrounds—finance, medicine, and technology—is a deliberate choice to mirror the multidisciplinary nature of modern drug development.
Julianne Averill noted that her participation is an opportunity to apply rigorous governance and financial strategy to a cause that requires both precision and passion. She highlighted the importance of supporting scientists who are working on the front lines of discovery, ensuring they have the resources and organizational backing to see their work through to completion.
Dr. Skolnik emphasized the unique positioning of CureSearch within the non-profit space. He pointed out that the organization’s ability to conduct multi-faceted reviews—balancing scientific merit with industrial feasibility—is what allows it to support "the best of the best." His vision for the board includes a continued focus on immuno-oncology and the development of DNA-based medicines that could offer less toxic alternatives to traditional chemotherapy.
For Mike Crowe, the appointment is a continuation of a legacy. He has stated that his goal is to ensure that no other family has to experience the loss his family endured. By bringing his expertise in technology and data management to the board, he aims to help CureSearch optimize its internal processes and leverage data to accelerate research timelines.
Analysis of Implications: A New Era of Data-Driven Philanthropy
The inclusion of a high-level technology executive like Mike Crowe and an AI-focused financial leader like Julianne Averill signals a shift toward a more data-centric approach in pediatric oncology. In the modern era, the bottleneck in drug development is often not a lack of data, but the inability to process and interpret vast amounts of genomic and proteomic information. Crowe’s experience in managing global IT infrastructures will be invaluable as CureSearch looks to facilitate better data sharing among its funded researchers and institutions.
Furthermore, the appointment of these leaders suggests that CureSearch is positioning itself to be more than just a funding body; it is becoming a strategic partner for the biotech industry. By having board members who understand the nuances of clinical trials (Skolnik), the requirements for scaling a biotech firm (Averill), and the digital tools necessary for modern research (Crowe), CureSearch can provide its grantees with mentorship and guidance that goes far beyond a financial transaction.
This "wrap-around" support is crucial for academic researchers who may have a breakthrough molecule but lack the experience to navigate the "business" of medicine. The board’s combined expertise will likely lead to more successful IND (Investigational New Drug) applications and a higher rate of successful Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for pediatric patients.
Broader Impact on the Global Pediatric Research Community
The impact of these appointments is likely to be felt across the global pediatric research community. As CureSearch strengthens its leadership, it enhances its ability to form international partnerships and advocate for policy changes that benefit children with cancer. The organization’s focus on "better, faster" treatments aligns with global initiatives like the RACE for Children Act, which requires companies developing adult cancer drugs to also evaluate those drugs in children if the molecular targets are relevant.
In conclusion, the appointment of Julianne Averill, Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, and Mike Crowe to the CureSearch national Board of Directors represents a significant strengthening of the organization’s operational and strategic capabilities. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation, financial strategy, and technological infrastructure, these leaders are poised to help CureSearch accelerate the pace of progress. For the thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year, this transition promises a future where the most advanced medical treatments are not just possibilities in a lab, but accessible realities in the clinic. The integration of such high-caliber leadership ensures that CureSearch will continue to lead the way in transforming the landscape of pediatric oncology for years to come.
