Introducing ALK Positive, Inc. Executive Director, Suzanne Houssainy

Suzanne Houssainy, 2nd from left, at the recent ALK Positive Summit in Nashville with Board Members, Yvonne Diaz (far left), Nancee Pronsati, and Summer Farmen (far right)

We are excited to announce the addition of Suzanne Houssainy as Executive Director to our star team at ALK Positive, Inc.

Suzanne Houssainy was unanimously chosen by the Board of ALK Positive, Inc. for the role among over 300 candidates, many of whom were truly exceptional. We feel that the long, solid experience and professionalism Suzanne brings to the table is going to help our organization get to the next level. Suzanne has over 25 years of experience in sales, management and leadership positions in both the for-profit and the nonprofit worlds, and has held senior positions in Development and Philanthropy in such organizations as University of California Irvine, City of Hope, St. Jude, and others.

1)     Tell us a little about yourself - your personal and professional background - and what led you to this career path.

I started my career in the for-profit tech sector working with established and new companies to drive sales revenue and build market share. A yearning to do good in the world drove me to explore a second career in the non-profit sector where I served organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, City of Hope and University of California, Irvine. I had the privilege of working with renowned researchers to propel and advance scientific explorations through private and institutional funders. It is in mission-driven work where I found my labor of love.

2) Your professional background includes very different organizations. What inspired you to join ALK Positive, Inc?

I am most inspired by our patient advocacy work; giving voice to patients and their families at every table and at every opportunity is particularly close to my heart. I am equally inspired by our unique approach to funding unbiased cancer research. Our true allegiance is to the ALK-positive patient population. We are committed to searching for and funding the most promising biomedical research regardless of who is leading it or where. 

3) What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

Persistence is a superpower.

4) What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy camping in nature with my two adult children, Yasmeen and Omar. Nature is one of my teachers.

5) What are you most passionate and motivated about? (causes, hobbies, interests etc.)

I am most passionate about science and motivated to advance its reach. Science has the power to bring humanity together in pursuit of a noble mission and in service of the common good.