By Maria Saporta
The Marcus Foundation announced Tuesday that Dr. Jonathan W. Simons will join its team as its full-time medical director and chief science officer on Aug. 1
Simons is an oncologist, molecular biologist who most recently served for 14 years as the CEO and president of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, founded by Michael Milken. Simons also was the founding director of the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University; and he was chair of hematology and oncology at the Emory Clinic.
As an internationally known physician-scientist leader, Simons brings a wealth of expertise in precision medicine drug discovery and development, cancer nanotechnology and genomics, and immunology as well as healthcare administration. He has been a leader in the global medical community for over 30 years with key roles and discoveries at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Emory University.
The Marcus Foundation, founded by Bernie Marcus, co-founder and former CEO of the Home Depot, has invested for decades in targeted medical research and healthcare projects with the ultimate goal of saving and changing lives.
“Simons’ background and experience will be an invaluable addition as we continue to seek unique medical opportunities to make an impact,” Marcus said in a statement. “He understands the importance of investing in sound initiatives that have the potential to fully leverage, accelerate and transform standards of care and discovery.”
Healthcare and medical research represent the largest portfolio within the Marcus Foundation, which has focused on regenerative medicine and cellular therapy, integrative medicine, cancer, autism, heart and vascular health, and stroke and neuroscience.
The goals of the Marcus Foundation’s medical investments are to save and change the greatest number of lives in the shortest period of time and with the highest access and least cost to families.
In addition to healthcare and medical research, the Marcus Foundation also provides targeted and impactful philanthropy in the areas of Jewish causes, free enterprise and veterans support, youth development and education, and community.
Simons succeeds Dr. Fred Sanfilippo who retired after serving the Marcus Foundation as consultant and Medical Director for eight years.
“We are appreciative of Sanfilippo’s many contributions,” Marcus said, “and know that Simons’ will not only build on his work but also create new reach and impact.”
