MARC HURLBERT, PHD
Director, Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade
The 2008 Shining Star award was presented to Dr. Marc Hurlbert, on behalf of the Avon Foundation, in recognition of his visionary leadership and for the impact that the Avon Foundation has made for breast cancer organizations in the Bay Area.
Marc Hurlbert is the Director of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, one of Avon Foundation's two initiatives to improve the lives of women and families. Through 2007, Avon philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $580 million in over 50 countries worldwide. In Northern California, over $27 million has been awarded to a number of local breast cancer organizations, including Zero Breast Cancer.
Dr. Hurlbert has applied his professional scientific background in pharmacology and laboratory research to his current role at Avon, overseeing a $40+ million annual grant-making budget to support breast cancer education, screening, support services, access to treatment and research. In November 2007, Dr. Hurlbert convened the first-ever Avon Foundation Collaborative Summit on Breast Cancer Research to coordinate efforts and form new partnerships among major breast cancer funders, researchers, advocate groups and government agencies in the United States. Each year he spearheads the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Forum.
Dr. Hurlbert monitors and evaluates the progress of Avon’s breast cancer grant programs. In this capacity, Dr. Hulbert travels extensively to oversee Avon's breast cancer grantee programs in action. He represents the Avon Foundation in larger organizations, including the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
