Hollywood, FL (January 20, 2006) – The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) has named Deborah L. Chodrow Senior Vice President. She most recently served as Vice President of Major Gifts since joining the organization in January of 2003. Ms. Chodrow has been responsible for spearheading the organization’s efforts to identify, inform and involve those individuals who can participate in the Foundation’s mission through major contributions. Over the last three years, the DRI Foundation has increased revenue more than 50 percent. In addition to her current responsibilities, Ms. Chodrow will also oversee the diabetes foundation’s regional offices in Florida, New York City, Long Island and California.
Ms. Chodrow has more than 20 years of high-level fundraising experience. Prior to joining the diabetes organization, she spent 17 years in senior management positions at the American Friends of the Hebrew University, supervising major gifts programs and regional operations from the national office in New York, as well as directing fundraising and leadership development activities in the southeast. During her tenure, she was professionally responsible for the American Friends’ major gift portion of the Hebrew University’s International Capital Campaign, which raised over $600 million two years ahead of plan. Prior to that, she served in various positions with the National United Jewish Appeal (now United Jewish Communities).
“I continue to be inspired by the extraordinary commitment of the diabetes foundation’s leadership combined with the intense determination of the DRI’s faculty to find the cure for diabetes. The DRI Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide the critical funding the DRI needs to develop new research ideas that will ultimately benefit people living with diabetes. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated regional leadership and professional team of this diabetes organization to advance the DRI’s progress by increasing the DRI Foundation’s fundraising success to new levels,” said Ms. Chodrow.
The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in cure-focused diabetes research and a pioneer in islet cell transplantation, a groundbreaking procedure that has reversed diabetes in patients involved in clinical trials. DRI scientists have made considerable progress in this area, and research continues to overcome the few challenges that remain before this therapy can be applied to all patients who can benefit from it. The philanthropic support of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is critical for allowing this vital work to continue.
“Deborah has been a tremendous asset to this organization due to her extensive skills in fundraising and operations. As a result of the Foundation’s tremendous growth in just a few short years, and because it is poised for even more growth in the near future, it became necessary to appoint Deborah to an expanded role where she can have a greater impact on the entire organization,” said Robert A. Pearlman, president and chief executive officer of the DRIF.
The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the DRI with the funding necessary to cure diabetes through islet transplantation and other cellular therapies. The diabetes research foundation was founded in 1971 by a small group of parents of children with diabetes who were committed to funding the research necessary to cure this devastating disease. Through the efforts of this initial group of supporters, the diabetes organization has evolved into an international coalition of business leaders, research scientists, clinicians, families and other concerned individuals who have helped change both the scope and direction of research today. The Diabetes Research Institute has become the world leader it is through the support of the DRI Foundation, the diabetes organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate, and committed to finding a cure for diabetes.