St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently announced that William E. Evans, MD, Director and CEO, has decided to retire from his executive post in July of 2014. Dr. Evans has been with the organization for more than 40 years and has served as CEO for the past 10 years.
Indelible Mark on History of St. Jude’s
“Under Dr. Evans’ leadership, we have achieved the best outcomes worldwide for the most frequent forms of childhood cancer, launched an $85 million effort to identify the genomic drivers of the most aggressive childhood cancers, and expanded our facilities by more than 500,000 square feet,” said Terry Burman, Chairman of the St. Jude Board of Governors. “His significant contributions have made an indelible mark on our history, resulting not only in improved survival for children with cancer, but in better long-term quality of life.”
An expert in pharmacogenomics, Evans came to St. Jude as a student in 1972. “I learned from true pioneers and was given boundless opportunity to excel in an environment where collaboration and innovation are the norm,” said Evans. “My leadership philosophy has been a simple one: Stay on mission and make St. Jude a place where great people can do their best work.”
Decade of Leadership
Dr. Evans said his decade of service reflects a pattern at St. Jude that contributes to its success. “I believe a dynamic, best-of-class organization like St. Jude benefits from new leadership every 10 years to sustain the energy needed to lead the fight against pediatric cancer and other devastating diseases. Indeed, this has been our track record, with five CEOs in our first 51 years.”
The St. Jude Board of Governors will conduct an international search to select a successor to Dr. Evans, and the process will include potential internal and external candidates. While Dr. Evans is expected to leave the CEO position next summer, he has agreed to serve until his successor is on board. ■
