Ike Anand Named CEO Of Fundraising Arm Of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

India-West Staff Reporter

MEMPHIS, TN –The Board of Directors of the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has appointed Ike Anand as its new president and chief executive officer. Anand, who has served as interim CEO since March and previously as chief operating officer since 2020, assumes the role immediately, becoming the seventh chief executive in ALSAC’s 68-year history.

His appointment follows a global executive search launched in December, after longtime CEO Richard C. Shadyac Jr. announced his decision to step down following a 15-year tenure marked by transformative growth.

Anand steps into leadership at a pivotal moment for the organization, which is midway through a six-year, $12.9 billion strategic plan launched in 2022 — the largest in St. Jude’s history. The initiative aims to expand access to treatments and cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases around the world.

With decades of leadership experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, Anand has been a driving force behind ALSAC’s modernization and digital transformation. Under his leadership, the organization has advanced its data and technology capabilities, streamlined operations, and achieved sustained revenue growth while upholding a commitment to low administrative costs.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen to lead such a remarkable organization,” Anand said. “The mission of St. Jude holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure ALSAC continues to provide the vital resources needed for St. Jude to confront the immense global challenge of childhood cancer.”

Board chair Dr. Frederick M. Azar praised Anand’s elevation to CEO, citing his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the St. Jude mission.”

Marlo Thomas, national outreach director for St. Jude and daughter of founder Danny Thomas, also welcomed the appointment. “Ike Anand is the perfect person to carry my father’s dream forward,” she said. “His heart, his vision, and his deep understanding of our mission make him uniquely suited to lead ALSAC into the future.”

Before joining ALSAC, Anand served as global vice president of strategy for Expedia Group, where he spent nearly 15 years leading major cross-functional initiatives. His experience in investment strategy, marketing, and analytics has shaped his approach to leadership at ALSAC, where he recently led a strategic plan revision to enhance impact both in the U.S. and abroad.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children. Its mission — Finding cures. Saving children. — is supported entirely through public contributions, with families never receiving a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.