Dr. Stephen Kron - Chair, Science Advisory Committee

Stephen J. Kron M.D.-Ph.D. is a Professor of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and an Investigator in the Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at the University of Chicago. Trained in bioengineering, medicine and cell and molecular biology, Dr. Kron directs an interdisciplinary research group using diverse approaches to dissect signaling pathways for cell proliferation and DNA damage response.

Neil M. Hirsch - Chair, Development Committee

Prior to becoming the head of group purchasing for IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, Neil Hirsch graduated with honors from Tulane University with a major in Economics and later from New York University with an MBA, where he graduated first in his class. Neil’s mastery of business has lead him down many paths including positions at Pro Shop Marketing, Affinity Marketing as well as the Vice President of Women’s Clothing Operations for Hirsch Clothing. Currently Neil serves as a speaker on merchandising at MITA meetings and for special classes at Michigan State University and Northwestern University. Neil is the chair of the Judy Hirsch Fund for Lung Cancer Research at Partnership for Cures, a fund set up in memory of his wife Judy, who lost her battle a few years ago. Neil will lend PFC his no-nonsense marketing expertise and his passion to find treatments for those suffering from lung cancers.

Peter Kupferberg-Co-Chair Development Committee

Peter B. Kupferberg is a principal of Gofen and Glossberg and has been with the firm since 1992. He received a B.A. degree from Grinnell College and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago.  Mr. Kupferberg has served on boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Council for Jewish Elderly, Hillel/CAYS, the Mary Meyer School and the Standard Club.  He currently serves on the board of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and is chairman of the financial division of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

Michael L. Lucas - Chair, Foundation/Corporate Advancement Committee

Michael Lucas brings Partnership for Cures 20 years of experience in capital markets, investment management, and business start-ups. Mr. Lucas is currently a principal with Leading Edge Investment Advisors, where he is responsible for developing business opportunities for emerging and minority-owned manager programs.  Michael earned a B.S. in Economics from Cornell University and currently serves as an Advisory Council member for the Cornell University Entrepreneurship and Personal Enterprise Program, connecting the resources of entrepreneurial alumni with the spirit, creativity, and drive of entrepreneurial students. Michael's worldwide connections and entrepreneurial achievements will help PFC produce even greater value in the venture philanthropy community. Michael lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.