Dear National Hemophilia Foundation Community, Staff and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I want to inform you that I have decided to step down from my leadership position as President and CEO at the end of this year. Earlier this week, I informed the NHF Board of Directors of my decision and asked them to initiate a search for the next leader of the organization.
In the past three and a half years we have made substantial advancements towards the vision of a world without inheritable blood disorders by striving to meet our mission focused on research, education, and advocacy to ensure that people and families with inherited blood disorders may thrive.
I am particularly proud of the collaborative effort to bring the research state of the science to fruition and the publication of excellent manuscripts that articulate not only the gaps in care, but positive areas for continued collaborative research to close these gaps for people living with inherited bleeding disorders. Now, we as a community, are on the journey to build a sustainable research infrastructure to execute the most important science to enhance the health and wellbeing of people living with inheritable bleeding disorders.
Pathway to Cures is another initiative that I am very proud of. P2C holds the promise to catalyze innovation towards the vision of cures for inherited blood disorders and bring the community steps closer to equitable outcomes for all who share in the bloodsisterhood and brotherhood.
The work that NHF has done to improve access to care through policy and payer work, increase educational opportunities for those living with inherited blood and bleeding disorders, their families and loved ones and the healthcare professionals who provide care is also an area of great pride. The strength and vitality of the chapter community continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community.
I consider it a great privilege and honor to serve this community and organization as it’s President and Chief Executive Officer since 2020 and thank you all for your trust and support during my tenure. During this time, we have planted the seeds that I am hopeful will sprout into the vision of a world without inherited blood disorders. I believe this is the right time for a new leader to continue the journey. I may be leaving my office but not the community as I intend to continue to work towards the vision of a world without inheritable blood disorders, but as a volunteer. Last, but certainly not least, I look forward to your participation and support at the Bleeding Disorders Conference in August and the Red Tie Soiree in October.
Yours truly,
Dr. Len Valentino
