The IMF was founded in October of 1990 by Susie Novis, her late husband, Brian Novis, and Prof. Brian G.M. Durie as a means to advance myeloma research, and to develop and implement patient and physician educational programs in the area of multiple myeloma.

Susie was elected Executive Director of the IMF in 1992 and today holds the title of President of the Foundation. Under her direction the IMF has continued to experience impressive growth. Programs that she developed have become models for other organizations around the world. Susie's deep personal commitment to the myeloma community continues to drive the IMF forward -- towards a cure for myeloma.

snovis@myeloma.org

David Girard has an eclectic background in international business, post-secondary education, oncology office management, retail management, and government work. He was recruited to assist the IMF with the administration of the CDC grant and the IMF's extensive publication list and his responsibilities have grown to include many areas within the internal and external operations of the foundation. David is fluent in several languages and spent a total of nine years living and working in Mexico City.

A graduate of Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International Management’s Masters program, he received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. During his undergraduate studies, he attended the Universidad Complutense de Madrid’s foreign student curriculum. His many interests include travel, cooking, and everything Spanish.

dgirard@myeloma.org

Diane Moran, RN, MA, EdM is an experienced nurse with advanced degrees in education and organizational management, and a highly accomplished healthcare executive with more than two decades in the pharmaceutical industry prior to joining the IMF in April 2006.

Diane is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning for the IMF and reports directly to the president and Chairman of the Board.

Jennifer Scarne manages the daily financial operations of IMF. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over fourteen years of accounting and finance experience. Jennifer previously served as the Controller of Morgan Creek Productions. Prior to joining Morgan Creek, Jennifer was a Manager in Ernst and Young’s internal audit entertainment practice, representing such entertainment clients as The Walt Disney Company, AOL Time Warner and USA Networks.

Jennifer has also served as line producer on an independent film, and volunteers her time serving as the Vice President of Finance on the Board of The Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children.

Heather Cooper Ortner brings 15 years of professional experience to the IMF beginning in marketing and moving to development ten years ago when she began working at AIPAC, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. From there she went to the Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the nation, and subsequently became director of the Western Area Development Center of Hadassah, where she directed major gift activities in 16 western states. In her most recent position at Brandeis-Bardin, she created a major gifts program and increased proceeds from an annual event by more than 60%.

lpaik@myeloma.org