Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D. is CEO of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization. Appointed CEO in 2019 after joining the organization in 2004, he has helped shape strategy across the full research and development pipeline, from early discovery to clinical adoption and access. As an internationally recognized scientific expert in T1D research, he has authored influential publications that advanced standards of care, including work that accelerated the development of artificial pancreas systems and expanded access to continuous glucose monitoring. Dr. Kowalski’s scientific expertise, personal experience living with T1D for more than 35 years, and his ability to engage the global T1D community make him uniquely suited to advance Breakthrough T1D’s mission to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Dr. Kowalski earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University. He serves as a member of the T1D Fund’s Board of Directors.

David Panzirer is a Trustee of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and a philanthropic leader dedicated to advancing type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and care. Appointed Trustee and Executor in 2007, he has helped shape the Trust’s strategic direction and long-term impact, overseeing a robust and highly targeted grantmaking program that guides the growth of its global philanthropy. He has led the expansion of Helmsley’s Type 1 Diabetes Program into a leading international funder, championing bold, high-risk initiatives and fostering collaboration across philanthropy, industry, academia, government, and patient communities. He brings strategic oversight and deep cross-sector partnerships to the board through his stewardship of one of the nation’s largest private foundations. As the parent of two children with T1D, he is deeply committed to easing the daily burden of the disease while accelerating progress toward a cure. He began his career with a technical education in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration from Lincoln Technical Institute. In addition to his trustee responsibilities, he supports cross-programmatic partnership initiatives at Helmsley and serves as an observer of the T1D Fund Board of Directors.