The Stamford-headquartered  Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) has announced a shift in leadership with co-founder, president and longtime cancer research champion Barbara Netter handing over the organization”™s reins to John Walter, former CEO of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“I am thrilled to be coming on board to lead the vision and direction of ACGT,” said John Walter. “ACGT”™s focus in cell, gene and immunotherapy for uncovering treatments for all cancer, as well as the remarkable people that make up the board and scientific advisory council, were major considerations as to why I came on board. This is truly an incredible time to be working in cancer research with significant breakthroughs on the way for patients.”
In his previous work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Walter held several positions over 18 years with the organization including CEO, COO, executive vice president of strategic alliances and business development, CFO, and senior vice president of finance and information technology in addition to prior experience as the director of financial planning and budgeting for the March of Dimes.
Netter co-founded ACGT with her late husband Edward in 2001 after their daughter-in-law”™s death from breast cancer. They were inspired to create the nation”™s only nonprofit dedicated to cell and gene therapies after attending a lecture on gene therapy by Dr. Savio Woo, chairman of the Department of Gene and Cell Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Woo went on to chair ACGT”™s Scientific Advisory Council and held that position for 14 years before retiring in 2015.
Under the Netters”™ leadership the alliance has funded dozens of scientific grants in the U.S. and Canada to conduct and accelerate innovative cancer research totaling $26.4 million in funding.
This funding contributed to breakthrough cancer research on successfully treating leukemia through gene therapy that was pioneered by Dr. Carl June at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Michel Sadelain at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
According to the Alliance, Netter hopes Walter will move the alliance to the next level of scientific funding of cancer research and possibly develop pivotal partnerships with important biotech companies that are now taking notice of cell, gene and immunotherapy treatments for cancer.
“I am very pleased to be able to turn over the mantle to John Walter, who is coming to us with incredible qualifications,” said Netter. “It is with confidence that I think John will grow our organization and move it forward. His skill sets and experience in fundraising, board development, operations, business and financial acumen, as well as his background with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the overall cancer space, fits well with ACGT.”
