The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has appointed Ike Anand as its new President and CEO, effective July 22, 2025. Anand, who has served as ALSAC’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, steps into the role during a period of historic fundraising success and growing international outreach for the organization.
Anand’s promotion follows the retirement of Richard C. Shadyac Jr., who has led ALSAC for the past 15 years. Under Shadyac’s leadership, the organization saw a remarkable transformation, nearly quadrupling its philanthropic giving and sponsorships. His tenure was marked by 59 consecutive quarters of year-over-year fundraising growth. Although stepping down as CEO, Shadyac will continue to support ALSAC in an advisory capacity, focusing on donor relations, partnerships, and external engagement.
ALSAC’s fundraising reached a record $2.5 billion in 2024 alone, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in pediatric healthcare philanthropy. This achievement forms part of a broader six-year, $12.9 billion strategic plan to expand pediatric cancer care around the world. The strategy includes efforts to improve access to treatment, bolster healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, and further St. Jude’s mission to ensure no child dies in the dawn of life.
Anand brings significant global business experience to the role, having spent over 15 years at Expedia Group in a variety of leadership positions. His background in data analytics, international operations, and digital transformation has been vital in redefining ALSAC’s strategic capabilities. Since joining ALSAC, Anand has played a key role in modernizing the organization’s digital infrastructure, enhancing donor engagement through technology, and streamlining operational foundations to support ALSAC’s ambitious goals.
A notable aspect of Anand’s leadership has been his emphasis on artificial intelligence to support ALSAC’s fundraising initiatives. By using aggregated data and AI-driven tools, the organization aims to improve how it connects with supporters while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy. “For us, it is really, really vital that the consumers have trust in us and that they see us valuing their privacy, that they see us valuing their information and using it in the right manner,” Anand said in a recent statement.
Anand’s move into the nonprofit sector was motivated by a desire to engage in work with deeper social impact, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has openly shared how the experience of global crisis led him to reevaluate his professional priorities and seek a role with a strong sense of purpose.
Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude and daughter of the hospital’s founder Danny Thomas, welcomed Anand’s appointment with enthusiasm. “When my father founded St. Jude, he believed deeply in bringing hope to children and families in their darkest moments. Ike Anand is the perfect person to continue that vision in today’s rapidly changing world,” Thomas said.
With Anand at the helm, ALSAC is expected to continue its trajectory of innovation and growth. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the organization scales its operations to meet global needs, navigating complex challenges such as geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and evolving donor expectations. Nevertheless, ALSAC remains committed to its foundational promise: to never bill families for treatment, travel, housing, or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
As the organization forges ahead with its global expansion, Anand’s leadership is anticipated to reinforce ALSAC’s commitment to equitable healthcare access and continued excellence in pediatric research and treatment.
