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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) nationwide network of people dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. Founded by a group of pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers in 1999, the organization relentlessly pursues its mission by implementing an aggressive and comprehensive strategy of research, patient support, advocacy and awareness. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and also staffs a Washington, D.C., and New York City office.

Julie Fleshman became the organization’s first full-time staff person and its first Executive Director in April 2000. Having lost her father to pancreatic cancer in 1999, she has made it her passion and commitment to change the course of the disease. In July 2004, the Board of Directors appointed Fleshman President and CEO. Under her leadership, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has grown from a staff of one with revenues of $228,000 to a staff of over 140 with a budget of more than $40 million.

Today, Fleshman is a sought-after speaker with considerable experience addressing diverse stakeholder groups, including Congress, industry, patients, scientists, donors and volunteers. She has also been interviewed by national media such as The New York Times, CNN, PBS, Headline News, CBS News and ABC News as well as local press throughout the country.

Fleshman’s leadership has driven consistent excellence and innovation throughout the programs and services of the organization, including introducing precision medicine service Know Your Tumor® and Precision PromiseSM, the first response-adaptive randomized clinical trial for pancreatic cancer. At the same time, she has steadily increased revenue growth and the organization’s impact. Under her direction, the organization has greatly expanded and attracted leading researchers from prestigious institutions around the country to study pancreatic cancer.

During Fleshman’s tenure, advocacy and grassroots efforts have expanded to over 60 affiliates nationwide and yielded a $160 million increase in federal funding for pancreatic cancer research. The organization has awarded 199 pancreatic cancer research grants and has a projected total research investment of approximately $126 million, including the competitive Research Grants Program and leading-edge scientific and clinical initiatives. Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals have called upon the organization more than 204,000 times for disease information, treatment options and hope.

Fleshman holds her JD and MBA degrees from Santa Clara University and a BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also studied abroad at Oxford University and in Tokyo, Japan.

Fleshman has been honored for her leadership and dedication in the fight against pancreatic cancer by many organizations. She serves on the boards of several cancer care and research committees and organizations. Currently, she serves as a National Cancer Research Advocate for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), providing advice to the NCI Director with respect to promoting research outcomes that are in the best interest of cancer patients.

In addition, Fleshman is the Chair of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, a coalition of more than 80 pancreatic cancer organizations representing 32 countries on six continents.