Curebound’s Power Play: New Leaders to Supercharge Cancer Research

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 01, 2026 – In a strategic move poised to reshape its operational trajectory, San Diego-based cancer research accelerator Curebound has appointed two highly accomplished leaders, Paula Schneider and Richard Whittington, to its board of directors. The announcement signals a deliberate effort to infuse the organization with elite corporate and technological acumen at what CEO Robin Toft describes as a “pivotal time.” By blending seasoned non-profit leadership with expertise in enterprise-level AI and transformation, Curebound is arming itself to scale its impact and shorten the timeline from laboratory discovery to patient treatment.

A Strategic Infusion of Corporate and Tech Acumen

The selection of Schneider and Whittington is far from a routine board refreshment; it represents a calculated enhancement of Curebound's strategic capabilities. Paula Schneider brings a formidable track record of steering large, complex organizations through transformative periods. As the former president and CEO of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, she masterminded the unification of its sprawling network of affiliates into a single, more efficient entity. This experience in scaling non-profit impact is directly applicable to Curebound's ambition to grow its funding and influence. Her background as a public-company CEO for brands like American Apparel and the Warnaco Swimwear Group further equips her with a sharp, results-oriented business perspective uncommon in the philanthropic sector.

Complementing Schneider’s organizational prowess is Richard Whittington’s deep expertise in technology and enterprise modernization. Whittington, who advises global leaders in media and telecommunications on AI integration and finance transformation, brings a critical, future-focused skillset. His appointment is particularly timely, given Curebound's increasing focus on technologically advanced research. For instance, the organization’s most prestigious award, the $1 million Cure Prize, was recently granted to a project developing a multi-modal AI framework for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Whittington's insight into leveraging technology to scale impact will be instrumental as Curebound seeks to identify and fund more of these high-potential, data-driven projects.

“I’m excited to bring my business experience in technology to help scale Curebound’s impact—connecting people, ideas, and resources to drive earlier detection and better outcomes,” said Whittington. His recent addition to the UCLA Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports Executive Advisory Board also suggests a capacity to leverage powerful networks and communication platforms to advance the organization's mission.

The Personal Drive Behind the Philanthropic Mission

Beyond their impressive professional pedigrees, both new members bring a profound personal commitment to the fight against cancer. For Paula Schneider, the mission is inextricably linked to her own life story. As a breast cancer survivor, her dedication transcends professional duty. This personal journey informed her leadership at Komen and inspired her to author a children's book, “Love Stays Strong,” to help families navigate a cancer diagnosis. Her lived experience provides an invaluable perspective to the boardroom, ensuring that the patient remains at the heart of every strategic decision.

“As a breast cancer survivor, Curebound’s mission is deeply personal to me,” Schneider stated. “I’ve also spent much of my career working to advance women’s health and improve outcomes for patients, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative research can change – and save – lives. I’m honored to join the Curebound board and help accelerate innovative research and collaboration that can bring better answers and better treatments to patients faster.”

Richard Whittington is no newcomer to the cause, either. As a longtime supporter and a member of Curebound’s Founders Circle, he and his wife, Vickey, have been top fundraisers for novel cancer research for years. His decision to deepen his involvement stems from a core belief in the region’s scientific potential. “I joined Curebound because I believe San Diego has the science and talent to change the future of cancer,” Whittington explained. This combination of a technologist’s vision and a dedicated philanthropist’s passion makes him a powerful advocate for the organization’s goals.

Bolstering a Regional Research Powerhouse

These appointments do more than just strengthen a single organization; they fortify San Diego's entire life sciences ecosystem. The city is a globally recognized hub for biomedical innovation, home to over 3,000 life sciences companies and world-renowned research institutions like the Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, and UC San Diego's Moores Cancer Center. Within this vibrant landscape, Curebound plays a unique and critical role as a community-powered accelerator, bridging the gap between foundational science and clinical application.

By raising and strategically deploying philanthropic capital, the organization fuels the collaborative, high-risk, high-reward projects that traditional funding sources might overlook. To date, Curebound has channeled $51.5 million into 170 research grants across 23 types of cancer. The model is proving effective: its funded projects have successfully attracted an additional $185 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating a remarkable return on investment. With a stated goal of investing $100 million over the next decade, the expertise Schneider and Whittington bring is essential for achieving that ambitious target and amplifying the region’s impact on a global scale.

Curebound’s model requires inter-institutional collaboration, compelling the region's top minds to work together. The leadership of Schneider and Whittington is expected to enhance these collaborations, forging new connections and streamlining the path from scientific breakthrough to viable treatment. As Curebound CEO Robin Toft noted, their leadership arrives as the organization continues to “scale and accelerate cancer research funding.” The end goal is clear and urgent. “Paula and Richard will help Curebound move cancer discoveries from labs to patients, extending survivorship,” Toft affirmed. “Their leadership will help us fund bold science and deliver treatments and cures that will give patients and families more time.”