Cure Rare Disease (CRD), a clinical-stage nonprofit biotechnology organization, announces the addition of a Chief Advancement Officer to its leadership team and welcomes three new members to its board of directors. Markus Ward joins as Chief Advancement Officer, and Jeremy Sternberg, J.D., Klaus Veitinger, M.D., Ph.D., and Mike Williams join the Board of Directors.

Markus Ward, Chief Advancement Officer

Markus Ward brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and leadership, with a particular specialty in fundraising and external affairs. His career has spanned workforce development, economic mobility, education, social services, higher education, and the arts. Markus previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at COOP Careers, a national economic mobility nonprofit. During his 4.5 years at COOP Careers, he played a pivotal role in transforming the organization from a $2M, two-market nonprofit to a $12M+, six-market entity.

Prior to his time at COOP Careers, he held the roles of Special Assistant to the Executive Director at Year Up New York, Director of Operations and Development at Workforce Professionals Training Institute, and Director at CCS Fundraising. During his time at CCS he led significant, eight-figure campaign planning projects in Higher Education and the Arts.

“We are thrilled to have Markus join our team,” said Rich Horgan, Founder and CEO of CRD. “His extensive experience and proven track record in nonprofit growth and development will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and advance our programs.”

Jeremy Sternberg, J.D.

Jeremy Sternberg is a partner in the Boston office of the global law firm Holland & Knight LLP. Jeremy’s practice focuses on working with health care companies, including life sciences companies, on complex disputes, compliance matters, and government facing issues. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Jeremy was a federal prosecutor in the Boston U.S. Attorney’s Office. Jeremy graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in Economics and History and from the George Washington University Law School.

Klaus Veitinger, M.D., Ph.D.

Klaus Veitinger is a Venture Partner with OrbiMed Advisors and is focused on venture investments in the therapeutic space. Since joining OrbiMed, he has served or currently serves on the boards of numerous public and private OrbiMed portfolio companies. Previously, Klaus was the Chief Executive Officer of Schwarz Pharma Inc. with responsibility for the U.S. and Asia businesses culminating in the ultimate sale of the Schwarz Group. For seven years he was a Director of PhRMA. He received his medical degree and his doctorate (Ph.D.) from the University of Heidelberg and earned his M.B.A. at INSEAD in France.

Mike Williams

Mike Williams is the owner of Longhorn Liquor, a family-owned and operated retail chain with 12 locations across Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston area.

In 2022, Mike and his wife, Katherine, received the diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy for their son. Since developing a partnership with Cure Rare Disease, they have launched a number of initiatives to support the organization’s work, including founding the Southeast Texas Whiskey Festival, in which 100% of the proceeds benefit Cure Rare Disease. In just two years, the annual event has become the largest whiskey and bourbon event in Texas.

“We are honored to welcome three new members to our board of directors,” said Horgan. “As the scale and scope of our organization grows, it is critical to have a wide variety of perspectives and expertise represented on the board. The addition of our new members will provide valuable support to Cure Rare Disease as we continue to advance our mission.”

ABOUT CURE RARE DISEASE

Cure Rare Disease, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit biotechnology company based in Woodbridge, CT, is transforming possibilities for people with ultra-rare diseases by developing advanced therapeutics in time to save lives. Through a collaborative community of forward-thinking families, patients, scientists and supporters, Cure Rare Disease has enabled an ecosystem of innovation and discovery to overcome the obstacles inherent in existing models of medicine and to expedite life-saving genetic technologies from research to the clinic. Learn more at www.cureraredisease.org.

For more information, please visit www.cureraredisease.org.

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