STXBP1 Foundation Accelerates Growth with Addition of New Executive Director
San Francisco, CA - January 15, 2025 - The STXBP1 Foundation names Mark Quinlan as its new Executive Director to lead the organization in its mission of finding a cure for STXBP1-related disorders while improving the lives of afflicted patients worldwide. Founded in 2017, the STXBP1 Foundation is a parent-led 501(c)(3) research-oriented, community-based, non-profit organization. STXBP1 disorders are rare epileptic and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by changes in the STXBP1 gene. With an incidence of approximately 1 in 30,000 live births, STXBP1 Disorders are one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Mark will join the organization to help advance their determined efforts to accelerate critical research and therapeutic development.
Mark will report to the board of directors, oversee the strategy, and manage the operations of all programs, fundraising campaigns, staff, and industry affiliations. “In this strategic role, Mark will guide us on our fast-moving upward trajectory,” says Charlene Son Rigby, President and Co-Founder, “Bringing on Mark at this pivotal time will enable us to professionalize and scale the organization even faster.” With over 16 therapies in development and $3M awarded in research funding to date, the STXBP1 Foundation is coming off another very impactful year.
As the foundation’s new Executive Director, Mark brings over 20 years of strategic leadership, most recently as the Executive Director of the Fanconi Cancer Foundation, where during his tenure, they raised $21.5 million and funded over $13 million in research that focused on the rapid discovery and development of therapies to treat, control, or cure Fanconi anemia related cancers. Mark Quinlan is a seasoned nonprofit executive with nearly three decades of experience driving organizational success and fostering collaboration within diverse communities. Previous roles have shaped his relevant expertise, including Program Administrator for the University of Oregon School of Law and as the Executive Director at the Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
Mark holds a Bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Science and a Master's in Public Administration. He has gained extensive knowledge through reputable professional development programs, such as a course on Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management at Harvard Business School. Additionally, he completed coursework on Foundations of Collaborative Governance at the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University, which further enhanced his insights into collaborative processes and conflict resolution.
About STXBP1 Foundation
STXBP1 Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for STXBP1-Related Disorders while improving the lives of our patients and families. Founded in 2017, the STXBP1 Foundation is a parent-led advocacy organization. STXBP1 Disorders are rare epileptic and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by changes in the STXBP1 gene. With an incidence of approximately 1 in 30,000 live births, STXBP1 Disorder is one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Contact info@stxbp1disorders.org and visit stxbp1disorders.org for more information.
