African Diaspora Network (ADN), the global platform that mobilizes diaspora capital, expertise, and enterprise for Africa’s growth, has announced the appointment of Dr. Pierre R. Theodore to its Board of Directors.

 

Dr. Theodore is currently the executive director and population science therapeutic area team lead, Roche and Genentech, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon on faculty at Stanford University, and a globally-recognized advocate for equitable health access to healthcare innovation.

He brings more than two decades of experience spanning clinical medicine, healthcare venture capital, global public health, and health equity advocacy — a rare and unique combination of clinical, academic, and business expertise that will be a significant asset as ADN continues to deepen its impact.

“Your career spans decades of experience in biotechnology, global surgery, and a commitment to health equity that will be critical to this pivotal stage in the life of ADN,” said Josh Ghaim, Ph.D., Chairman of the ADN Board of Directors, in welcoming Dr. Theodore to the board. We look forward to building with you and beginning your journey with us.”

Dr. Theodore said he is honored to bring his experience to bear on ADN’s mission: “I have a deep belief in the mission of the African Diaspora Network and the critical role the diaspora plays in shaping the continent’s future. Mobilizing our collective talent and influence is essential for sustainable development, and I am honored to contribute to this vision.”

Dr. Theodore joins a board reflective of the breadth of talent, sector expertise, and diaspora leadership that ADN convenes to advance its mission, including:
● Josh Ghaim, Ph.D., Board Chairman, ADN; Founder & Managing Partner, Ignite Venture Studio
● Raj Aji, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, BILL
● Dr. Josephine Fubara, Chief Science Officer, Opella
● Manoj Jain, Venture Partner, 3i Partners
● Rick Levenson, CTO-in-Residence, Rippleworks
● Ndeye Makalou, BioPharma Executive
● Almaz Negash, CEO & Founder, African Diaspora Network
● Innocent Shumba, U.S.-West EY Private Leader & Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young
● Kedest Tesfagiorgis, Deputy Director, Global Partnerships & Grand Challenges, Gates Foundation
● Agnieszka Winkler, Founder, Winkler Group

Together, this leadership brings deep experience across law, science, venture capital, and global philanthropy, reinforcing ADN’s position as a convener of the best diaspora talent working in service of Africa’s development and the communities the diaspora lives in.

Dr. Theodore’s appointment comes as ADN continues to grow its national footprint. ADN recently opened a new office in Washington, D.C., marking a milestone in the organization’s next chapter of growth. The expansion positions ADN to more deeply engage the policymakers, institutions, and diaspora communities shaping U.S.-Africa collaboration, while activating the diaspora “Beyond Remittances.”

“Pierre embodies exactly the kind of diaspora talent ADN was built to convene,” said Almaz Negash, CEO and Founder of ADN. “His experience bridges science, industry, and equity in ways that will strengthen our mission and sharpen our impact for the continent, and for the communities where the diaspora lives, works, and leads.

As we welcome Pierre to the board and open our doors in Washington, D.C., ADN is building the capacity and the leadership to match the scale of what’s ahead.”