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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Welcomes New Board Members

On July 1, 2025, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced the appointment of three new members to its esteemed Board of Directors. This strategic addition aims to leverage their diverse backgrounds and profound expertise to advance LLS's mission of eradicating blood cancers and enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.

Introducing the New Board Members

The incoming board members include distinguished professionals from various fields:

Dr. Bissan Al-Lazikani

Dr. Al-Lazikani is a recognized data scientist and expert in drug discovery. She holds various credentials, including a Ph.D. and memberships in esteemed biological societies. Currently, she leads the Therapeutics Data Science Initiative at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her pioneering work in utilizing AI for drug discovery and development is noteworthy, already culminating in the establishment of the largest public cancer drug discovery platform, canSAR.ai.

Dr. Carol G. Gallagher

With over 35 years in the biopharmaceutical sector, Dr. Gallagher has held significant roles in drug development, including serving as CEO and venture capital investor. Her contributions have been pivotal in bringing five therapies to approval. Apart from her role at LLS, Dr. Gallagher's philanthropic commitments span across various institutions, including the Board of Trustees at the Salk Institute.

Stasia Kelly

As a Senior Advisor at DLA Piper, Stasia Kelly has served as the U.S. Managing Partner and has extensive experience in legal counsel. Her expertise encompasses governance, compliance, and crisis management, essential areas for supporting LLS as it ventures into new partnerships and innovation. Kelly has previously held leadership roles in several major corporations and has been recognized for her contributions to legal practice and advocacy.

Strengthening Leadership at a Crucial Time

The addition of these new leaders comes at a critical juncture for LLS, particularly as it pursues ambitious goals aimed at enabling individuals with blood cancer to gain over a million more years of life. Their unique experiences will significantly contribute to improving research, services, and access to care for individuals battling blood cancer.

E. Anders Kolb, M.D., President and CEO of LLS, expressed optimism about the new members, emphasizing their commitment to advancing the organization's objectives: “Our new members have demonstrated in so many ways their steadfast commitment to curing blood cancer and improving the quality of life of all patients and their families.”

Future Directions

As they join the board, these members will help guide LLS's initiatives, from expanding research capabilities to fostering innovative community partnerships. The board will continue to evolve under the leadership of Alessandra Tocco as Chair, who heads an all-women executive committee, ensuring a dynamic approach to governance and strategy.

In closing, LLS remains committed to its mission after 75 years of service in enhancing the lives of blood cancer patients. Their efforts focus on accelerating research, providing vital support resources, and advocating for accessible healthcare policies.

To explore more about LLS and its robust board of directors, you can visit LLS's website or contact their Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572 during business hours. Your engagement can make a significant difference in the fight against blood cancer.