The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising and awareness organization supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has officially appointed Ike Anand as its new President and CEO.Anand, who had been serving as interim CEO since March 2025, now steps permanently into the role, becoming the seventh chief executive in ALSAC’s nearly seven-decade history.
Anand’s appointment comes after a comprehensive global search initiated in December 2024, following the retirement announcement of Richard C. Shadyac Jr. Shadyac led the organization for 15 years, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth and outreach.
Now at the helm, Anand will guide ALSAC through the midpoint of St. Jude’s bold six-year, $12.9 billion strategic initiative launched in 2022. This expansive plan is the largest in St. Jude’s history, designed to broaden access to life-saving care for children battling cancer and other critical illnesses, both in the United States and internationally.
With extensive leadership experience spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Anand has already made a significant impact at ALSAC since joining in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer. He has spearheaded efforts to modernize the organization, strengthening its data-driven strategies, upgrading technology systems, and maintaining consistent revenue growth—all while keeping administrative expenses low to maximize funds for patient care and research.
“I’m truly honored to lead ALSAC in support of St. Jude’s mission,” Anand stated. “Helping children with life-threatening diseases is a cause close to my heart, and I’m committed to ensuring our work continues to fuel the hospital’s groundbreaking efforts.”
ALSAC Board Chair Dr. Frederick M. Azar praised Anand for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. Marlo Thomas, the hospital’s national outreach director and daughter of founder Danny Thomas, also expressed confidence in Anand’s leadership, describing him as the right person to advance her father’s legacy of hope and healing.
Before his tenure at ALSAC, Anand spent nearly 15 years with Expedia Group, where he led global strategy and cross-functional projects. His background in investment, marketing, and analytics has shaped his approach at ALSAC, focusing on innovation and global impact.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital remains the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center exclusively for children, offering care entirely funded by public contributions. No family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or meals.
