WASHINGTON—June 17, 2008—Ralph E. Grunewald has been named executive vice president at Research!America, the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. As EVP, Grunewald will serve as the organization's second-highest executive and will oversee many key functions including fundraising, membership development, financial management, and administration.
"Ralph's considerable experience in strategic leadership along with his strong expertise in non-profit management and fundraising will be a true asset for Research!America," said Mary Woolley, president and CEO. "I very much look forward to working with Ralph to take Research!America to the next level in making the case for research."
Prior to joining Research!America, Grunewald served as executive vice president at Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, the world's largest Jewish campus organization. As one of its top three professionals, he set institutional priorities and strategic direction, managed several key departments and integrated Hillel's five-year strategic plan into day-to-day operations and programs.
In addition to his work at Hillel, Grunewald has served as executive director at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where he oversaw the strategic and tactical goals of the organization's representation before Congress and state legislative and regulatory bodies. Under his leadership, membership increased by nearly 50 percent and financial reserves grew significantly. He also worked for 11 years at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, first as deputy director and counsel, where he played a central role in completing its capital campaign, and then as director of external affairs, serving as the primary liaison with foreign governments and international organizations, among other responsibilities.
Grunewald earned his JD and MA in Public Affairs from George Washington University and his BA in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego.
"I am excited about joining the Research!America team," said Grunewald. "My work has always been mission focused, and I look forward to focusing my energies on Research!America's already considerable efforts toward advancing medical, health, and scientific research."
Founded in 1989, Research!America is supported by more than 500 member organizations that represent the voices of 125 million Americans. For more information, visit www.researchamerica.org.
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