Matt Varey of Ontario is the first Canadian to serve as Vice Chair on the board of the global type 1 diabetes non-profit
New York and Toronto, March 13, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of Matt Varey as the new vice chair of the non-profit’s International Board of Directors. Matt, of Oakville, Ontario, is the first Canadian and first person from outside of the United States to hold the vice chair position. He is a senior executive at Royal Bank of Canada, the country’s largest financial institution, where he is responsible for more than 4,500 Canada-based employees who manage personal investments, mortgage financing, and group benefits totaling more than $100 billion annually.
“It’s an exciting time at Breakthrough T1D, filled with scientific breakthroughs and real opportunities to advance our mission, creating a world without type 1 diabetes”, said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. “We are delighted that Matt is taking on the role of vice chair of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors. I look forward to Matt’s partnership as we amplify Breakthrough T1D’s work throughout the world.”
Matt has been a committed Breakthrough T1D volunteer since 2001 and is an ardent supporter of Breakthrough T1D’s efforts to find a cure for T1D and improving the lives of people living with the condition. In addition to his work on Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors, Matt serves on the board of Breakthrough T1D Canada.
“I have been a Breakthrough T1D volunteer for more than 20 years and am honored to step into the role of vice chair of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors”, said Matt Varey. “I am excited to work in partnership with others around the globe to advance Breakthrough T1D’s incredible purpose and to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs and cures for type 1 diabetes.”
Matt and his wife, Dr. Andrea Jack, are the parents to four adult children. He is a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Varey will be joined in his term of board leadership by Lisa Fishbone Wallack, the newly appointed chair of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors. Lisa is an attorney by training and resides in the Boston area.
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About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or long-term complications, including highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
