Santa Barbara, CA – Today, Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the year after 24 years leading the organization and expanding its critical work around the world. The Board of Directors will oversee the search for the next President and CEO to build upon Thomas’ many years of success in advancing Direct Relief’s mission.
“We are grateful for Thomas’ deep commitment to Direct Relief’s mission over the last 24 years and his unwavering servant leadership,” said Direct Relief board chair Mark Linehan. “This next stage at Direct Relief will build upon Thomas’s extraordinary vision and track record to ensure our continued success and growth. It will bring about new opportunities for growth and a recommitment to our mission as the Board begins its executive search to find the next person to support Direct Relief’s efforts to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies globally.”
“It has been a privilege every day for nearly 24 years to be part of Direct Relief’s important work to help people in need overcome health challenges and enjoy the wonders of life,” said Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe. “The organization’s simple humanitarian mission existed long before I arrived, and it remains essential and inspiring. I have complete confidence that Direct Relief will continue to serve people in a thoughtful, respectful, and efficient way and that the organization will thrive.”
Since arriving at the end of 2000, Tighe has overseen Direct Relief’s work as it expanded to become the fifth-largest charity in the United States and among the largest providers of charitable medications within the U.S. and globally. During Tighe’s tenure, funded entirely with private philanthropic support, Direct Relief has provided over $16 billion in essential medicines, equipment, and supplies and more than $350 million in grants to health organizations in 136 countries and all U.S. states and territories. Tighe has led the organization’s responses to domestic and international disasters, from the 2004 Asian Tsunami to Hurricane Katrina and Maria and the war in Ukraine, in which the organization’s ongoing support has exceeded $1.3 billion.
Since the year 2000, Direct Relief has been named among the world’s most innovative nonprofits by Fast Company, has been rated by Forbes as being 99 percent efficient or better in fundraising since 2001, won the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation, the CECP Director’s Award, the Esri President’s Award for GIS innovation, the Office of the Surgeon General’s National Leadership and Partnership Award, and became the first U.S. nonprofit to obtain NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation to distribute Rx medications in all 50 U.S. states.
Tighe will continue to serve as President and CEO through the end of the year to help ensure a smooth transition for the next President and CEO and continuity as Direct Relief continues its mission to serve people around the globe.