LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – (July 7, 2025) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, proudly announces new appointments and transitions to its Fiscal Year 2026 Board of Directors and Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), effective July 1, 2025.

Joining the Board this year is Jon Mahrt, Chief Executive Officer of Optum Rx and Chief Growth Officer of Optum, a leading health solution and care delivery organization. Mahrt brings a deep understanding of how to scale access to care and design patient-centered solutions. A passionate advocate for healthcare equity and systems transformation, Mahrt’s strategic insight will help PanCAN accelerate efforts to reach its 2030 goals, including increasing the five-year survival rate to 20% and investing $80 million annually. Mahrt’s wife is a pancreatic cancer survivor and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2023 at age 50. In 2020, Mahrt’s father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away that same year.

“We are excited to bring additional expertise and experience to PanCAN’s board to continue to be at the forefront of ensuring progress, even as our community faces unprecedented hurdles,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of PanCAN. “Each individual brings unmatched dedication, deep expertise and a personal connection to our mission to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.”

The PanCAN Board of Directors consists of 16 members, which includes two officers and 14 directors. All directors are elected for a three-year term and members can serve for up to three terms.

In addition to these Board updates, PanCAN also announces new leadership and transitions within its Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), the organization’s expert body of leading researchers and clinicians who guide the scientific direction of PanCAN’s mission.

Gregory Beatty, MD, PhD, will be the new Chair of SMAB. Dr. Beatty is an internationally recognized physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. A leading figure in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy, his laboratory has played a pivotal role in translating discoveries about the tumor microenvironment into early-phase clinical trials. As the new Chair of the SMAB, Dr. Beatty will help guide PanCAN’s bold research agenda, ensuring alignment with the most promising and innovative scientific opportunities.

Michael Pishvaian, MD, PhD, will step into the role of Vice Chair. Dr. Pishvaian is a GI Medical Oncologist at Johns Hopkins University focused on precision medicine in pancreatic cancer and a current member of the SMAB. He is nationally recognized for his work in pancreatic cancer genomics and clinical trials. Dr. Pishvaian’s expertise in this area will contribute to PanCAN’s efforts to expand access to and understanding of personalized treatment.

PanCAN expresses deep appreciation for the outgoing Chair Eileen M. O’Reilly, MD, for her steady leadership and continued involvement as she remains on the SMAB.

“Our SMAB plays a critical role in shaping PanCAN’s research priorities and ensuring we are driving bold, high-impact science,” said Fleshman. “We’re excited to welcome Dr. Beatty and Dr. Pishvaian into their new leadership roles. Their expertise in immunotherapy and precision medicine aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of bringing earlier detection, better treatments, and longer lives to patients with pancreatic cancer.”

For a full list of FY2026 Board of Directors and SMAB members, visit pancan.org.

To learn more about PanCAN and its mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook,.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is the leading organization dedicated to advancing progress against pancreatic cancer. We empower patients and caregivers with the resources and knowledge they need to advocate for the care they deserve; we are pioneering the advancement of an early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer and revolutionizing the development of advanced and personalized treatments; and we are building and mobilizing the pancreatic cancer field to ensure better outcomes for all those who face pancreatic cancer today and all those who will fight this disease tomorrow.