Breakthrough T1D Greater Bay Area Chapter current Executive Board President, Mark Fischer-Colbrie, has been elected as the new chairman of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors (IBOD). Mark will succeed John Brady, whose two-year term ends June 30.

“It’s an honor to pass the title and duties of Chairman of the International Board to Mark Fischer-Colbrie,” said Breakthrough T1D IBOD Chairman John Brady. “Mark has a broad and unique skill set, with deep knowledge and proven success in life sciences research and commercialization, as well as an exemplary track record in the management and oversight of innovative, high-growth businesses. In addition, Mark has demonstrated effective leadership within Breakthrough T1D at both the chapter and national levels,” John added. “As a three-time chapter president, he understands that our chapters are the heart and soul of Breakthrough T1D. There’s no one more qualified to lead our IBOD at this time, and Breakthrough T1D and the entire type 1 diabetes community are lucky to have such a passionate supporter to lead our fight against this disease.”

Mark became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 2000 after his son Tyler was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). He and his entire family have been committed to Breakthrough T1D for many years. His tenure includes Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors Member, Executive Committee Member, Finance Chairman, Research, Nominating and Governance, and Long Range Planning Committee Member. Mark has been extremely active in the Breakthrough T1D Greater Bay Area Chapter, where he has served as President for three terms, Vice President of Research, Vice President of Corporate Development and Vice President of Government Relations. In 2000, Mr. Fischer-Colbrie co-founded the Breakthrough T1D Silicon Valley Chapter.

“As a fellow parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, I am extremely confident that Mark will lead the Board and provide true inspiration for everyone affected by this disease,” said Derek Rapp, Breakthrough T1D President and CEO. “Few people have been as actively and broadly engaged in Breakthrough T1D as Mark, and I’m very pleased he will be taking the reins to continue our mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. I also want to sincerely thank John Brady for his years of service, his tremendous passion, and his unmatched dedication to the Board and the entire Breakthrough T1D family. We greatly appreciate his insight and leadership as chairman over the last two years.”

Mark is currently the President and CEO of Labcyte Inc., where he has worked since 2007. He has 25 years of experience in the biomedical field, and has a deep understanding of science, research, drug discovery and medical devices. Over the years, Mark has raised more than $500 million in private and public capital, and has been broadly involved in every aspect of a company’s operations, including research and development. He is the author of three biomedical patents.

“I am honored to be elected as the new IBOD Chairman and look forward to working closely with Derek and the IBOD,” said Mark. “I am eager to build on the strong groundwork John Brady created, and I know my previous work with the Breakthrough T1D business development team and other key groups to progress Breakthrough T1D research will be important as we continue our vision for a world without type 1 diabetes.”