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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research, has announced the appointment of three distinguished professionals to its national Board of Directors. The new appointees—Julianne Averill, Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, and Mike Crowe—bring a diverse array of expertise spanning biotechnology, clinical development, global technology infrastructure, and healthcare governance. These appointments come at a critical juncture for the organization as it seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, a transition often referred to in the medical community as the "valley of death" for new drug development. By integrating leaders with deep experience in artificial intelligence (AI), industry-scale clinical trials, and corporate governance, CureSearch aims to modernize the philanthropic approach to pediatric oncology and expedite the delivery of less toxic, more effective treatments to the approximately 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
Strategic Expansion of Leadership Expertise
The selection of these three individuals reflects a calculated effort by CureSearch to diversify the skill sets represented on its board. As the landscape of medical research increasingly relies on high-level data analytics and private-sector partnerships, the inclusion of experts from the life sciences and technology sectors is designed to provide the oversight necessary for high-stakes research investments.
Julianne Averill joins the board with over two decades of experience in the healthcare and biotech ecosystems. As a Managing Director at Danforth Health, Averill has specialized in helping science-driven organizations navigate the complex financial and operational hurdles of scaling patient-impacting solutions. Her background as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Business Officer (CBO) in the healthcare AI space is particularly relevant as the industry moves toward precision medicine. Her role on the board will likely focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of CureSearch’s initiatives and providing strategic guidance on how AI and digital health tools can be leveraged to analyze pediatric cancer data more efficiently.
Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, a trained pediatric hematologist-oncologist, brings a clinical and pharmaceutical perspective that is essential for translating research into reality. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Inovio, Dr. Skolnik leads programs centered on immuno-oncology DNA medicines. His history with CureSearch is extensive; he has served for over nine years and currently chairs the Industry Advisory Council (IAC). This council is a unique component of the CureSearch model, providing a "real-world" industry filter for research proposals to ensure they are not only scientifically sound but also commercially viable and ready for the clinic.
Mike Crowe, the retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Colgate-Palmolive, represents the intersection of corporate technological excellence and personal philanthropic commitment. During his 34-year tenure at Colgate-Palmolive, including nearly a decade as CIO, Crowe managed global technology strategies for one of the world’s most recognizable brands. His transition into the non-profit governance space is fueled by a personal connection to the cause; following the loss of his son, Steven, his family established "Team Steve: The Steven Crowe Legacy Fund" at CureSearch in 2023. His presence on the board provides a unique perspective on data management and large-scale organizational efficiency.
The Chronology of CureSearch’s Evolution and Board Integration
The appointment of these members is the latest step in a multi-year strategy by CureSearch to shift from a traditional grant-making body to a "venture philanthropy" model.
- 2010–2015: CureSearch began refining its focus toward the "acceleration" of research, recognizing that while many discoveries were being made in academic labs, few were reaching the clinical trial stage for children.
- 2016–2020: The organization established the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) and the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) to create a dual-review process. This period saw the integration of Dr. Skolnik into the IAC leadership, where he began shaping the criteria for high-impact funding.
- 2023: The organization deepened its community engagement through the establishment of legacy funds, including the Steven Crowe Legacy Fund. This year also marked a surge in the organization’s focus on AI and data-driven oncology research.
- 2024–2025: Dr. Skolnik was honored with the 2025 Scientific Visionary Award, signaling his elevated role within the organization. The formal appointment of Averill, Skolnik, and Crowe to the national Board of Directors in late 2024 solidifies the leadership structure for the next five-year strategic cycle.
Addressing the Funding Gap in Pediatric Oncology
The necessity for such high-level leadership is underscored by the stark reality of pediatric cancer funding. According to data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), only about 4% of the federal budget for cancer research is specifically allocated to childhood cancers. This disparity leaves a significant funding vacuum that non-profit organizations must fill. However, funding alone is insufficient; the pediatric drug development market is often viewed as less "profitable" by major pharmaceutical companies due to the smaller patient population compared to adult cancers.
CureSearch’s strategy, supported by the new board members, involves de-risking early-stage research. By providing the "seed" funding and the clinical roadmap necessary to prove a drug’s potential, CureSearch makes it more attractive for industry partners to take over the later, more expensive stages of development. The combined expertise of Averill and Skolnik is expected to refine this "de-risking" process, while Crowe’s background in technology will assist in managing the vast amounts of genomic and clinical data generated by these studies.
Official Perspectives on the New Appointments
The organization’s leadership has expressed confidence that this influx of talent will catalyze the next generation of pediatric treatments. In statements regarding the appointments, the new board members emphasized the unique positioning of CureSearch in the non-profit landscape.
Dr. Skolnik noted that the synergy between the Scientific Advisory Council and the Industry Advisory Council is what sets the organization apart. He stated that this multi-faceted review process ensures that only the "best of the best" projects receive funding—specifically those with a clear path to the clinic. Julianne Averill highlighted the importance of applying governance and healthcare experience to support research that can "truly change lives," emphasizing the human impact of rigorous scientific oversight.
For Mike Crowe, the appointment is a fulfillment of a family mission. He stated that the "bold CureSearch purpose" aligns directly with his family’s goal of ensuring that no other family has to endure the loss of a child to cancer. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in non-profit governance where lived experience is coupled with professional expertise to drive institutional change.
Implications for the Future of Pediatric Research
The addition of these leaders to the CureSearch board has several implications for the broader field of pediatric oncology:
- Increased Integration of AI: With Averill’s background in healthcare AI, CureSearch is likely to prioritize research projects that utilize machine learning to identify new drug targets and predict patient responses. This could significantly reduce the time and cost of early-stage drug discovery.
- Strengthened Industry Pipelines: Dr. Skolnik’s leadership suggests a more aggressive approach to partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical firms. This "industry-first" mindset is crucial for moving drugs out of academic labs and into the manufacturing and regulatory pipelines.
- Data-Driven Philanthropy: The presence of a former global CIO like Mike Crowe suggests that CureSearch will enhance its data governance. In the modern era, the ability to share and analyze data across institutions is a primary bottleneck in research. Crowe’s expertise may lead to more robust platforms for collaborative research.
- A Shift in Non-Profit Governance: This move signals a shift away from purely "honorary" board positions toward "working boards" comprised of subject matter experts. This model is increasingly seen as necessary for non-profits that operate in highly technical fields like molecular biology and oncology.
Conclusion and Broader Impact
The appointment of Julianne Averill, Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, and Mike Crowe to the CureSearch Board of Directors represents a strategic fortification of the organization’s mission. As pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in the United States, the urgency for innovation has never been higher.
By blending financial acumen, clinical expertise, and technological leadership, CureSearch is positioning itself not just as a fundraiser, but as a sophisticated intermediary in the drug development ecosystem. The ultimate goal remains a future where every child diagnosed with cancer has access to treatments that are not only effective but also preserve their long-term quality of life. The leadership of these three individuals will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of modern medicine to reach that goal faster.
