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National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is pleased to announce that Leah Recht has been named chair of the NBTS Board of Directors. Leah steps into this role following the conclusion of Dr. Edjah Nduom’s impactful tenure as chair. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Nduom’s service and are excited for the leadership Leah will bring as we continue advancing our urgent mission.
A Personal Commitment to the Mission
In 2007, Leah lost her father to a rare skull-based tumor called a chordoma, an experience that fueled her passion for change and advocacy. Since then, she has been an active leader in NBTS’s Northern California Brain Tumor Walk, helping to rally community support, raise awareness, and inspire action.
Professionally, Leah is a partner in Orrick’s M&A and Private Equity Group, based in San Francisco. She advises clients across diverse industries and has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in business and corporate law in 2018 and 2019. Since joining the NBTS Board, Leah has been a visible and inspiring leader — guiding fellow members, connecting new supporters to our cause, and lending her expertise to advance our mission.
“I am incredibly humbled to step into the role of Board Chair at NBTS and follow in the footsteps of the brilliant Dr. Edjah Nduom. For me, and for my family, this work is personal: our experience with my father’s brain tumor battle is what inspires my passion for NBTS’s mission and this dedicated and compassionate community,” Leah said. “I believe we are at a moment where breakthroughs are truly within our grasp — both in terms of clinical solutions and patient and caregiver support. Now more than ever, the power to accelerate progress is in the hands of the community, and I look forward to working with the NBTS team, and our extraordinary network of advocates, patients, caregivers, medical and research professionals, and our critical mission-driven volunteers and donors to contribute to this shared dream of curing brain cancer once and for all.”
Honoring Dr. Edjah Nduom’s Leadership
As Leah begins her tenure, we extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Edjah Nduom for his outstanding leadership as Board Chair. During his service, Edjah guided NBTS through key initiatives, amplifying our impact in research, advocacy, and community building.
“My time on the NBTS board has changed me in ways I did not expect,” Edjah said. “Sitting at the same table with patients and advocates — fighting to cure brain tumors once and for all — has reinforced the critical need for organizations like NBTS. We must continue to show the world that brain tumors aren’t rare to us. From the federal government to private investors to my colleagues in the neuro-oncology community, the message is clear: cures can’t wait, and we must push forward with our mission today.”
Edjah also expressed confidence in Leah’s leadership moving forward: “I could not be more pleased that Leah Recht is stepping into the role of Chair of the National Brain Tumor Society. From her first day on the board, I was impressed by her leadership, vision, and ability to inspire others. She is a brilliant communicator, a servant leader, and a driving force for good in the brain tumor community. Whether leading another record-setting NorCal Brain Tumor Walk or helping board members bring others into our cause, Leah serves with passion and positivity. I cannot wait to see all she achieves as Chair.”
Looking Ahead
Frank Macchiarola
Leah will serve as chair for two years. This transition comes at an important time for NBTS – under our 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, we are intensifying our efforts to accelerate research, expand advocacy, and support patients and families. With Leah’s leadership, and the continued dedication of our board, staff, and community, we are poised to make even greater strides.
With this year’s shift in officers, we are also pleased to announce the appointment of board member Frank Macchiarola as Clerk of the NBTS Board of Directors.
Together, we will continue to drive progress for everyone affected by brain tumors — because cures and improved quality of life along the way are needed now.
