V Foundation for Cancer Research Appoints Clark Kinlin Interim CEO as Shane Jacobson Joins American Cancer Society
Cary, N.C. (July 22, 2025) - The V Foundation for Cancer Research today announced that Clark Kinlin has been appointed Interim CEO by its Board of Directors as current CEO Shane Jacobson joins the American Cancer Society to become its CEO. Kinlin has served on the V Foundation Board of Directors for over four years, and the retired President of Corning Optical Communications has deep knowledge of the organization, its operation, and strategic goals. Kinlin will serve as Interim CEO as the V Foundation Board of Directors conducts a nationwide search for its new CEO.
“Shane led unprecedented growth in the impact of V Foundation for Cancer Research funding, with 34% of the cancer research grants awarded by the V Foundation in our 32-year history taking place in the last four years alone,” said Evan Goldberg, Chair of the V Foundation Board of Directors. “The strategic plan focused on continuing that aggressive growth in record money raised to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® with the world-class research we fund will continue with Clark in his interim role and with the next CEO. We are appreciative of Shane’s passion for our mission and the life-saving impact of cancer research, and we are grateful to Clark for stepping into the interim role and bringing his deep experience and familiarity with the V Foundation to this transition.”
To date, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants to the best of the best scientists. V Foundation funded researchers, throughout their careers, have been connected to over 1,000 clinical trials and generated over $20 billion in additional cancer research funding.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the V Foundation and to work alongside such an extraordinary team and board,” said Jacobson. “The mission and people of this organization will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the countless people who have supported us in our pursuit of achieving Victory Over Cancer®.”
When you give to the V Foundation, 100% of your donation goes directly to cancer research. The V Foundation is the best steward of donor dollars as well, earning 13-straight 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, a leading charity evaluator.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
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