Direct Relief today announced the appointment of Dr. Byron Scott as Interim CEO as the organization nears the conclusion of its search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Scott, a distinguished healthcare leader, brings decades of clinical, operational, and business experience to the role. Since January 2024, he has served as Interim Chief Operating Officer at Direct Relief and Co-Chair of the organization’s Health Equity Fund, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing initiatives to address health disparities. He previously served on the Board of Directors at Direct Relief.
“Dr. Scott’s extensive healthcare leadership and commitment to advancing Direct Relief’s humanitarian mission make him uniquely qualified to guide the organization through this transitional period with focus and continuity,” said Mark Linehan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are grateful for his willingness to step into this critical role as we finalize the selection of a permanent CEO.”
This leadership transition follows Thomas Tighe’s decision to step down after an extraordinary 24-year tenure as CEO. Under Tighe’s leadership, Direct Relief grew into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, delivering over $15 billion in medical aid across 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
Dr. Scott’s career spans leadership roles at some of the most prominent healthcare organizations. Before joining Direct Relief, he served as Deputy Chief Health Officer at IBM Watson Health, where he advised global healthcare organizations on performance improvement and strategy. He also held leadership positions at Truven Health Analytics and EmCare, where he oversaw quality and operational performance across hospital-based contracts nationally. He previously practiced emergency medicine for over 25 years and has also served as Medical Director, Chief of Staff, and hospital board trustee.
In addition to his operational leadership, Dr. Scott is a respected educator, serving as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health, and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Isenberg School of Management He holds multiple certifications in healthcare quality management, physician leadership, and corporate governance; along with serving on the Board of Directors for a children’s hospital, health plan, and medical device company
“It’s a privilege to support Direct Relief’s critical mission during this transition,” Dr. Scott said. “I look forward to working with the exceptional team and partners to ensure the organization continues to deliver life-saving aid and uphold its commitment to advancing its mission.”
The Board of Directors is in the final stages of a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO to build on Direct Relief’s legacy of innovation and excellence to advance its humanitarian mission.
