Newswise — SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Aug. 5, 2020) – As Texas Biomedical Research Institute continues its efforts to attract international attention and philanthropic support for its transformational, 10-year strategic plan, the leadership team at the Institute is excited to announce the addition of Akudo Anyanwu, M.D., M.P.H. to its administrative leadership team as Vice President of Development. Dr. Anyanwu was recruited after a national search that began in early 2020 following the announcement that current Vice President for Advancement and Public Relations Corbett Christie is retiring after serving the Institute for more than 20 years.
Currently the Associate Dean of Development at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Anyanwu is a global health expert and social entrepreneur with 17 years of experience in the field of global health and international development, spanning program implementation, resource mobilization, advocacy and policy. In her role at Johns Hopkins, she is responsible for securing major gifts, attracting new corporate and foundation funding and recently led a $45 million capital campaign for a new building.
“We are delighted Dr. Anyanwu will join our team and build upon the success the Institute has seen in recent years,” said Dr. Larry Schlesinger, Professor and President/CEO of Texas Biomed. “Dr. Anyanwu’s experience in public health innovation, international philanthropy and infectious diseases brings significant strength to our fundraising efforts and will grow the philanthropic program, attracting new supporters and enthusiasm for the work we do.”
As Vice President of Development, Dr. Anyanwu will be responsible for overseeing the Development team as it aims to steward and strengthen local, national and international support for the Institute. She will serve on the senior leadership team of the Institute, responsible for setting Institutional priorities, managing operations and setting a development strategy that will drive forward the goals of the 10-year strategic plan.
Dr. Anyanwu has served on the boards of Roll Back Malaria, the Global Health Council and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and has led public health coalitions for malaria and soil transmitted helminths. In her previous roles, she has raised more than $230 million for the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria from both government and private donors and more than $600 million for AIDS, TB and malaria programs in developing countries.
“I am passionate about institution building, implementing best practices for nonprofits with a focus on corporate governance and strategic planning,” Dr. Anyanwu said. “Texas Biomed is well-positioned to play a leading role globally in infectious disease research and transforming the health sector. The idea of helping Texas Biomed envisage future possibilities for partnerships as a means to bringing its mission and vision to fruition is one that I find very exciting.”
Dr. Anyanwu's pioneering work on the Gift from Africa Campaign was recognized by the Rockefeller Foundation as a top 100 next century innovation. She also received Tufts University's Distinguished Service Award (2015), Harvard School of Public Health’s Innovator of the Year (2013), Ogunte’s Social Leader of the Year (2013) and Stevie’s Innovator and Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2012).
Dr. Anyanwu received an M.D. from Tufts University, an MSc in Public Health from Harvard University and a BSc in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University. She also has a Diploma in Transformational Leadership from the Oxford University SAID Business School, a Diploma in Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century from Harvard University and a Diploma in Non-profit Management from Duke University.
Dr. Anyanwu will begin her tenure at Texas Biomed in mid-September of 2020. Corbett Christie has been working with Institute leadership for several months on an effective transition plan.
“Corbett has made significant contributions to Texas Biomed through the years,” said Dr. Schlesinger. “He has not only helped the organization grow and flourish, but his commitment and dedication to both the Institute and the San Antonio community has helped increase support for the bioscience industry in our community. We are grateful for his passion and his service and wish him the best in his retirement.”
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