Colorectal Cancer Alliance adds 4 to board

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance named four new directors on Sept. 17, expanding its board with leaders from investment banking, biotech, law and public policy. The move comes as the nonprofit pushes research and patient-support efforts aimed at ending colorectal cancer.

Why it matters: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is adding leadership with experience in healthcare finance, life sciences, law and public policy. - The new board members are expected to support research, awareness, community work, public policy and patient advocacy. - The appointments come as the nonprofit advances Project Cure CRC and an adaptive clinical trial platform designed to speed up new treatments.

What happened: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance announced four new members to its Board of Directors on Sept. 17, 2026. - The new directors are Ross Cohen, Lenny Mendonça, Cory Tull and Peter Wright. - Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said the group’s expertise and insights will strengthen the organization’s work.

The details: - Ross Cohen is a managing director in Goldman Sachs’ Healthcare Group in the Investment Banking Division, where he advises biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients. - Cohen’s wife, Siobhan, was diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer in March 2024, which shaped his focus on awareness, patient advocacy and treatment innovation. - Lenny Mendonça is a senior partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company. - Mendonça also served as chief economic and business advisor to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and as chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. - Mendonça has served on nonprofit and civic boards and co-founded the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and Inn at Mavericks with his wife, Christine Mendonca. - Cory Tull is a corporate partner and deputy office managing partner in Latham & Watkins’ Washington, D.C., office. - Tull focuses on mergers, acquisitions and complex business transactions. - Tull became involved with the Alliance after his first wife, Corinne, died of colorectal cancer in 2020 at age 39. - Peter Wright is a partner in McKinsey’s Life Sciences practice based in Southern California. - Wright advises clients in biotech, biopharma and medtech and works in oncology through McKinsey Cancer Center. - Wright leads research and convenes stakeholders on the U.S. oncology landscape and gaps in cancer care. - The Alliance said the new board members will help expand its impact for people affected by colorectal cancer. - The organization said readers can learn more about its board and read full member bios here.

Between the lines: - The board additions combine professional expertise with personal experience tied to colorectal cancer, a mix that can sharpen both strategy and patient focus. - The appointments also signal that the Alliance is leaning on outside leaders as it pursues more ambitious research and treatment-development efforts.

What's next: - The new directors are expected to contribute to the Alliance’s next phase of work on research, awareness, community engagement, public policy and patient support. - The Alliance plans to keep expanding its reach for patients and families affected by colorectal cancer.

The bottom line: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is strengthening its board with leaders who bring both sector expertise and personal stakes in the disease.