Thank You To Our 2009 Leadership!

Northampton Walk Chair

Gary Rome
Owner of Gary Rome Hyundai of Holyoke

Gary Rome started cleaning cars for his father's auto business in 1970 at the age of 9.  He worked in every department of that business and eventually became a partner at Jerry Rome Nissan.  When he and his dad moved the dealership to a brand new facility in 1997, Gary obtained a Hyundai franchise and opened Gary Rome Hyundai at the vacated site.  Gary has been an active supporter of cancer research, donating over $10,000 from the sale of stuffed replicas of his Jack Russell terrier, "Buddy".  He and his wife Jane have a son Will (age 6), and 2-year old twins, son Jake and daugher Sydney.

 

Boston Honorary Walk Chair

Jonathan Lewis, M.D., Ph.D. 
CEO and Executive Chairman, ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc.

Dr. Lewis is Chief Executive Officer and a Director of ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc., serving in these capacities since January 2004. Additionally, Dr. Lewis has been Chief Medical Officer since June 2008.  From July 1994 until June 2001, Dr. Lewis served as Professor of Surgery and Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  He has been actively involved in leading translational and clinical research in cancer, and is widely recognized by patient advocacy groups.  He has received numerous honors and awards in medicine and science, including the ASCO Young Investigator Award, the Kristen Carr Fellowship, the Yale University Ohse Award, and the Royal College of Surgeons Trubshaw Medal.  He served as Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the Medical Board at Antigenics, Inc., from June 2000 until November 2003.  He serves as Director on the Board of POPPA (the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance) of the New York Police Department (NYPD).  He also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Sarcoma Foundation of America and on the Scientific Advisory Council of the Hope Funds for Cancer Research.  

 

Boston Honorary Walk Chair

Deborah Dunsire, M.D.
President & CEO, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Dr. Dunsire's chief responsibility is driving Millennium's growth and overall performance in discovering, developing and commercializing new treatments for cancer, while developing its icon talent and culture as the company progresses. Dr. Dunsire draws on more than 20 years of experience in the scientific, clinical, operational and commercial aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.  She joined Millennium from Novartis, where she helped increase the North American oncology revenues to more than $2.1 billion from approximately $50 million in 10 years.  Dr. Dunsire received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Witwatersand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has received numerous awards including: Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa from Worcester (MA) Polytehnic Institute; American Cancer Society's Excalibur Award; Rising Star Award from the Health Care Business Women's Association; and the Creative Spirit Award from the Creative Center for Women.  Dr. Dunsire serves on Boards for the following institutions: Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO); Allergan, Inc; The Museum of Science (Boston); CancerCare (New York); and the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research.  According to Dr. Dunsire, "I tackle the daring job of keeping Millennium on course in our exciting new trajectory toward global oncology leadership.  I also try to help keep our company's uniquely talented, powerful people energized so they can bring about the dynamic progress we need to fully realize the opportunities before us.  The drive of all of our employees makes leadership in the oncology community within our grasp as we fight to defeat cancer.  The reward we seek is to see in our lifetimes the scourge of cancer--that touches so many lives today--recede visibly from those we serve.  We are bringing new programs from our scientific research sites through development to reach cancer patients around the world."

  

 

Nashua Walk Chair

Yuval Ramon
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Elbit Systems of America

Yuval Ramon is a Vice President of Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a leading provider of high performance products and systems solutions focusing on defense, homeland security, medical and commerical aviation markets. Mr. Ramon was named to lead the Elbit Systems of America Operations in New Hampshire in November 2007 after serving as Vice President, Business Management for Kollsman, Inc., an Elbit Systems of America subsidiary since November 2000. In this capacity, Mr. Ramon is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the site, fostering a success-oriented, accountable environment within the company and is responsible for on-time delivery of design, development and production activities. Mr. Ramon joined Elbit Systems in 1994. Prior to his positions in Merrimack, he worked in various management roles at Fort Worth Operations and at Elbit Systems in Israel.  In all the positions he has held, Mr. Ramon has played a crucial role in the support of proposals and program efforts to maintain profitability and sound business decision-making processes. Mr. Ramon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management from the Technion University, in Haifa, Israel.  Residing in Lexington, MA, Mr. Ramon is married to Michal and has 2 children, Noga and Ori.  In his spare time, he enjoys running Marathons and is active in supporting the community through various charitable activities including Miles for Miracles for Children's Hospital, Boston.