Leadership Change at V Foundation, Clark Kinlin Appointed Interim CEO

The V Foundation for Cancer Research has appointed Clark Kinlin as Interim CEO, following the departure of Shane Jacobson, who will assume the role of CEO at the American Cancer Society. Kinlin, a longtime board member and former president of Corning Optical Communications, brings deep institutional knowledge and strategic insight to guide the organization through its next phase.

“Shane led unprecedented growth in the impact of V Foundation for Cancer Research funding, with 34% of the cancer research grants awarded by the V Foundation in our 32-year history taking place in the last four years alone,” said Evan Goldberg, Chair of the V Foundation Board of Directors. “The strategic plan focused on continuing that aggressive growth in record money raised to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® with the world-class research we fund will continue with Clark in his interim role and with the next CEO. We are appreciative of Shane’s passion for our mission and the life-saving impact of cancer research, and we are grateful to Clark for stepping into the interim role and bringing his deep experience and familiarity with the V Foundation to this transition.”

Jacobson's four-year tenure marked a period of record-breaking fundraising and programmatic expansion. Under his leadership, the Foundation strengthened its position as a leading force in oncology research, channeling substantial resources to high-impact projects. Since its founding in 1993, the Foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in competitive research grants. Projects supported by the Foundation have contributed to more than 1,000 clinical trials and helped secure over $20 billion in additional cancer research funding.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the V Foundation and to work alongside such an extraordinary team and board,” said Jacobson. “The mission and people of this organization will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the countless people who have supported us in our pursuit of achieving Victory Over Cancer.”

Kinlin, who has served on the Board for more than four years, is well-positioned to steer the organization forward. His tenure at Corning Optical Communications has been marked by global leadership and strategic growth, experience that aligns well with the Foundation’s ambitious goals. As Interim CEO, he will oversee ongoing operations while preserving the Foundation’s core mission: accelerating Victory Over Cancer® through innovative science and unwavering support for research excellence.

Notably, 100% of every direct donation to the V Foundation goes to cancer research, a distinction made possible by an endowment that covers all administrative expenses. This model has earned the Foundation 13 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, underscoring its reputation as one of the most trusted and transparent organizations in the nonprofit sector.

Founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano—iconic coach and broadcaster—the V Foundation has, for over three decades, stood at the forefront of cancer research funding. Its rigorous grantmaking process, overseen by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee, ensures that donor dollars fuel only the most promising research.