Family, Faith & Philanthropy - A Career Rich in Memories | Mark Roithmayr, CEO, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

Some episodes can't be introduced. They have to be experienced. This conversation with Mark Roithmayr, CEO of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, is one of those episodes. Like Mark, I too was forever changed by a young man, Kethan, and his inspiring parents. Like Mark, I, too, will continue to hope to honor his memory and to honor the memory of my late wife, Maureen, as I continue my powdered doughnut tradition on the air with this podcast and next year as I go on the road via Airstream®. "One Story, One Moment. One Donut at a time."

"We don't have to change everything. We just have to change our one thing. And if we each indeed change our one thing, then we will have changed everything." Kethan changed me like he changed Mark. Please listen into this heartfelt conversation with dear friend, Mark Roithmayr, as we reflect on a career that is not only rich in memories, but rich in impact.

Who Is Mark Roithmayr?

Mark Roithmayr is an admired nonprofit leader with four decades of experience in both start-ups and mature organizations. As Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), Mr. Roithmayr is responsible for steering the Foundation’s overall strategy, focus, and business operations. Since joining the ADDF in 2017, the organization has transformed dramatically in impact, scale, presence, and brand. Under his leadership, ADDF’s revenue has increased five-fold from $17M to an excess of $90M and mission-related investing has grown over 100%.

As such, Mr. Roithmayr sets the strategic vision of the ADDF and works in partnership with the Co-Founder and CSO, Howard Fillit, MD, Executive Leadership, and the Board of Governors and Overseers to advance and execute the Foundation’s mission of accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. His areas of expertise and focus include venture philanthropy, strategic planning, volunteer development, and brand-building. One of Mr. Roithmayr’s milestone accomplishments was securing Bill Gates, as well as Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott, as donors to further the Foundation’s venture philanthropy efforts. Additionally, he secured a 10-figure gift from the families of Leonard and Ronald Lauder, ensuring all overhead costs will be covered at the ADDF for the next two decades.

Mr. Roithmayr actively participates in the Milken Institute’s LeadersLink Program, where he serves as seasoned mentor and advisor to emerging executive leaders. Additionally, he is routinely asked to guest lecture on the topic of non-profit leadership at Columbia University, Harvard School of Business, New York University, and Yale University. In 2019, Mr. Roithmayr was published in a Health Administration Press textbook “The Healthcare Nonprofit: Keys to Effective Management” in which he authored a chapter titled “Managing Volunteers.”

Prior to joining the ADDF, Mr. Roithmayr was Chief Relationship Officer at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There, he helped launch its venture philanthropy initiative, directed its 56 national chapters, and led annual fundraising of over $200 million. Prior his time at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he served for seven years as president of Autism Speaks. As that organization's first president, he shepherded its growth from a start-up into the world's largest autism research and advocacy organization. Earlier in his career, Mr. Roithmayr held several executive positions, spanning two decades, with the March of Dimes. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications at Rowan University.