National Brain Tumor Society Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Sally M. Davis named CEO of largest brain tumor nonprofit in the U.S. following national search

National Brain Tumor Society, the largest nonprofit dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States, has concluded its national search process and, today, announced the selection of Sally M. Davis as its new Chief Executive Officer.

“National Brain Tumor Society set out to find an experienced executive capable of leading our organization through its next phase of growth, including an ambitious multi-year strategic plan,” said Michael J. Nathanson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Brain Tumor Society. “During this exhaustive process, Sally rose to the top among many other impressive candidates. Sally’s successful track record as a senior-level fundraiser, as well as her experience in organizational planning and management, will be an asset for the National Brain Tumor Society during this important time in brain tumor research and development.”

Sally M. Davis

Sally joins the National Brain Tumor Society from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), where she most recently served as National Vice President, Development and Foundations. In this role, she led efforts to build and maintain relationships with a large network of national volunteers, developed comprehensive regional development and foundation strategies, and expanded the Organization’s major gifts pipeline.

Stepping into her new role with the National Brain Tumor Society, Ms. Davis will oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations, including a well-established national events and fundraising program, as well as a widely respected slate of program initiatives that seek to drive systemic change across the brain tumor research and development landscape, with a focus on delivering better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the nearly 700,000 Americans living with a brain tumor.

“I was excited about the opportunity to join an organization that is approaching a major issue, of high unmet need, in such a sophisticated and comprehensive manner,” said Davis. “I was inspired by the National Brain Tumor Society’s cause and incredible community, and impressed by its strategic plan, as laid out by its Board of Directors, and look forward to joining the fight against brain tumors.”

Under Davis’ leadership, National Brain Tumor Society – with the support of a dedicated community of volunteers, donors, fundraisers, and advocates – will pursue aggressive targets through its funded research and policy initiatives for building platforms that support the development of drugs to improve the lives of our patients, looking at ways to improve the clinical trial system to accelerate drug testing, and building legislation that supports the needs of patients.

“In addition to being an accomplished leader and fundraiser, we were impressed with Sally’s knowledge and experience working in the dynamic field of scientific research and medicine,” said Carrie Treadwell, Chief Research Officer, who co-directs the National Brain Tumor Society’s Programs Department, along with David Arons, Chief Public Policy and Advocacy Officer. “Sally’s background leading the Institutional Advancement and Marketing Communications effort at Morehouse School of Medicine and in management positions at Eli Lilly and Company, will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition toward her oversight of our programming agenda.”

Prior to Sally’s five years with Morehouse School of Medicine, she ran her own consulting firm that specialized in providing strategic fundraising, human resources, executive organization, development effectiveness, and communications guidance to nonprofits, as well as a number of Fortune 100 and 500 companies. Previously, Sally has held numerous positions in both for-profit and nonprofit management, across a range of sectors. She began her career in higher education, where she worked on strategic development, as well as human resources initiatives.

Sally holds Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees from Drake University. She sits on a number of charitable and professional boards, and has received the Womenetics POW award, honoring purposeful women in the workplace, and the WNBA’s ATL Dream Inspiring Women Award.