Michael Burton

Chief Executive Officer

Michael J. Burton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF).1 He is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 30 years of experience in leading high-impact philanthropic programs and cultivating strategic relationships to secure transformative funding.1

Professional Background

Before joining DRIF, Burton held leadership positions at several prestigious institutions:

President and CEO of Gateway for Cancer Research
Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of the Foundation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center
Special Assistant to the President at the University of Pennsylvania
Assistant Dean at Temple University's Fox School of Business
Legislative and Press Assistant to Congressman Tom Lantos

Education and Expertise

Burton is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Master's degree in Public Administration.1 His extensive experience spans various sectors, including:

Cancer research and care
Higher education
Nonprofit leadership
Philanthropic program management
Strategic relationship building

Leadership Philosophy

Burton is known for his:

Passion for nonprofit work
Ability to shape and lead results-oriented organizations
Commitment to transparency and inclusion
Inspiration from servant leadership and continuous improvement philosophies1

Current Role at DRIF

As CEO of DRIF, Burton is enthusiastic about the progress and promise in diabetes research.2 He emphasizes the potential for new breakthroughs and the foundation's contributions to understanding and treating diabetes over the past 50 years.2 Under his leadership, DRIF is focusing on areas such as: