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NORD Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors

On July 22, 2025, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) made significant strides in enhancing its mission by welcoming two noteworthy members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Steven Mah and Dr. Alan M. Miller. NORD is recognized as a leading nonprofit advocate for individuals impacted by rare diseases, and the addition of these esteemed professionals is a vital step towards boosting advocacy efforts across the country.

Meet the New Board Members

Dr. Steven Mah

Dr. Mah brings an extensive background that merges finance and scientific research, making him a valuable asset to NORD. Having served as a Senior Research Analyst at TD Securities, he possesses more than two decades of experience in evaluating life science tools and technologies. His expertise lies in areas such as AI-driven drug discovery, synthetic biology, and cell and gene therapy, which are increasingly relevant to the field of rare diseases.

His academic credentials are equally impressive. Dr. Mah obtained a doctorate in molecular biology from the prestigious Salk Institute/University of California-San Diego. Additionally, he holds an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and an undergraduate degree in molecular biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He emphasizes his passion for advancing research and supporting the rare disease community, stating, "I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members and contributing my experience to support NORD's mission."

Dr. Alan M. Miller

Dr. Miller, a board-certified medical oncologist with over thirty years in the field, also joins the Board with extensive experience in oncology and rare cancers. As the Chief Medical Officer at Translational Drug Development (TD2), he has been at the forefront of clinical trials and major cancer research initiatives. His rich professional history includes roles such as Chief Medical Director of Oncology at SCL Health and Chief of Oncology at Baylor Scott & White Health.

In addition to his newly appointed role on the Board of Directors, Dr. Miller will also serve on NORD's Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee. He views his dual role as an opportunity to accelerate advancements in clinical trials and drug development, especially for patients battling rare forms of cancer. He expressed his commitment, saying, "By partnering with my fellow Board and Advisory Committee members, we can combine our knowledge and expertise to support critical advancements in clinical trials."

The Commitment to the Rare Disease Community

Pamela Gavin, NORD’s Chief Executive Officer, articulated the importance of these additions, emphasizing the organization's commitment to the rare disease community, comprising over 30 million Americans. She stated, "In the face of mounting challenges to scientific research and access to affordable health care, our commitment to the rare disease community has never been stronger."

Drs. Mah and Miller, through their vast expertise in research, clinical practice, and policy, are set to play essential roles in navigating the complexities of rare diseases. Their appointments come at a crucial time as NORD continues to advocate for policies that improve patient access to therapies and enhance research opportunities.

Looking Forward

With the inclusion of Dr. Mah and Dr. Miller, NORD is positioned to drive impactful changes within the realm of rare diseases. As collaborative efforts advance, the hope is high for breakthroughs in treatments and a substantial impact on the lives of those facing the challenges posed by rare health conditions.

To learn more about the NORD and its initiatives, visit rarediseases.org. For more insights on the Board of Directors and their mission, check out NORD's Board of Directors page.

By bolstering its leadership team, NORD reaffirms its dedication to being a voice for the rare disease community, ensuring that their needs and aspirations remain at the forefront of policy discussions and research agendas.