Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Appoints Barbara Tavrow As Senior Vice President

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) announced the appointment of Barbara Tavrow as senior vice president.  A veteran nonprofit professional with more than 25 years of experience in major gifts fundraising and strategic campaign development, she is profoundly committed to the organization's singular goal of finding a cure for diabetes. 

"I have been familiar with the work of the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami for many years and, after taking a tour, it was clear to me that this is a world-class facility solely dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes.  The scientists have a vision and passion like nothing I've seen before," stated Tavrow, whose son, Josh, 37, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11. "Not only did I realize this was a challenge I wanted to take on professionally, but I also knew it was the place to fully commit myself personally, in order to help find a cure for my son and millions more."

Tavrow has worked in all aspects of nonprofit consulting, including organizational development, feasibility studies, strategic planning, board building, board training, and large special events.  She has independently consulted with and raised significant funds for the Stanford University School of Medicine and the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute, as well as many other organizations in education, the arts, and elder care. 

Before starting Tavrow|Lund Consulting, LLC, with her business partner, Rick Lund, 11 years ago, Barbara raised funds independently for many non-profits in the San Francisco Bay Area and, later, in Greater New York, as well as in Israel and elsewhere. Barbara served for seven years as a founding faculty member of a respected alternative high school in New Rochelle, NY, which became a replicable model for many Westchester County, NY, communities – The Program for Inquiry, Involvement and Independent Study (The 3I Program.)

"Barbara is uniquely well-suited for her new role at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.  She brings with her extraordinary credentials and a unique affinity for the mission of our organization," said Joshua Rednik, president and CEO of the DRI Foundation.  "Certainly today, it is rare to find someone who is such a natural fit for a position."

Barbara has served on the boards of many not-for-profits. She was a major organizer and lay leader for JDRF and served on its National Board of Directors and Board of Governors, as well as its Lay Review Committee.  She was founder of the Portola Valley Schools Foundation in California.  She has served on the boards of The Center for Preventive Psychiatry (White Plains, NY), The Judah Magnes Museum (Berkeley, CA), and the San Francisco Symphony, for which she planned and implemented the Symphony's Opening Night.  She served as president of the American Technion Society's Western Region and as a member of its National Board.

Born in New York City, Tavrow graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in Sociology and received her graduate degree in Secondary Education/English at San Jose State University.  She has spent considerable time living in California, New York, and Connecticut, where she currently resides.  In addition to her son, Tavrow has a daughter, Sara, and a granddaughter, Jordan.

About the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.

The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, with some study patients living without the need for insulin injections for more than a decade. The Institute is now building upon these promising outcomes by developing the DRI BioHub, an integrated "mini organ" that mimics that native pancreas, containing thousands of insulin-producing cells that sense blood sugar levels and produce the precise insulin needed in real time.  The Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of children and adults affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, call 1-800-321-3437 or visit DiabetesResearch.org.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120405/DC83112LOGO

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation