Named for the 1965 hit song by the Beach Boys, Barbara Ann Lavery has a passion for creativity. Whether she’s transforming the landscapes of Ireland, Iceland and California into large-scale abstract paintings or finding and funding life-changing opportunities to cure cancer, Ms. Lavery is guided by an inspired sense of appreciation for innovation. 

“Cell and gene therapies embrace an entirely new paradigm,” says Ms. Lavery whose years of experiences with non-profit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions helped build her framework of knowledge in life sciences. “Since its inception, Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy has led the way in recognizing and advancing revolutionary new ideas that really matter.” 

As chief program officer of Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, Ms. Lavery is responsible for programmatic initiatives, including leadership of the Academic Research Program and the Biotechnology Investment Program.

“This is my dream job,” says Ms. Lavery. “It combines science and research with business development and venture philanthropy in a forward-thinking, non-profit environment that’s dedicated to brilliant people who are finding creative new solutions to some of cancer’s toughest challenges. I love it!”