Life Science Cares Boston Appoints Rosie Cunningham as Executive Director to Drive the Organization’s Next Phase of Growth
News | [Boston, MA March 17, 2025]—Life Science Cares (LSC), a nonprofit organization activating the financial and human capital of the life sciences industry and partnering with local nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequity throughout its communities, today announced that it has appointed Rosie Cunningham to the position of executive director. She is succeeding Interim Executive Director Leane Marchese, who was previously the executive director of LSC San Diego.
“The Board and staff of LSC Boston are thrilled to welcome Rosie, whose experience working with philanthropic foundations focused on supporting those in need is perfectly aligned with LSC’s mission,” said Peter Pedro, chair of LSC Boston’s Board of Managers. “She will play a pivotal role as we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2026 and as we continue to scale our role as the bridge connecting the life sciences community with 42 carefully selected local nonprofit organizations working in the areas of basic needs, education, opportunity, and health equity. Rosie’s background in nonprofit operations, fundraising, finance, and communications will position her well for LSC Boston’s next phase of growth and community impact.”
Rosie brings nearly two decades of experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer at the Family Reach Foundation, a national nonprofit focused solely on helping people with cancer access food, housing, utilities, and transportation. Rosie has held various positions at Family Reach over the last ten years, including director of marketing and partnerships, director of strategic initiatives, and vice president of strategy and alliances. Previously, she served as business development manager for the Livestrong Foundation. Earlier in her career, Rosie worked in sales and marketing in the educational publishing industry. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also currently serves as an advisor for Sitters for Scholars and is a board member for Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
“I am honored to join Life Science Cares Boston and to lead this incredible organization as we embark upon our tenth year of service,” said Rosie Cunningham. “At a time when wealth disparities are greater than ever, the need for this work remains critical and urgent. The life sciences industry has a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change and deepen its impact on our neighbors in need. I look forward to working alongside both our corporate and community partners to expand our reach, mobilize resources, and break down barriers for those facing poverty and inequity.”
Since its founding in 2016, LSC Boston has worked with more than 500 companies to distribute nearly $12 million in grants to 98 community-based nonprofit partner organizations in the Greater Boston area. LSC Boston has organized more than 13,000 volunteers to direct more than 39,000 hours of community service to community-based organizations, in addition to more than $2 million of in-kind donations.
About Life Science Cares
Since 2016, Life Science Cares (LSC) has leveraged the talent, passion, and community investments of the life science industry to fight poverty and provide a platform for the city’s leading industry to make a difference in the community. Through partnerships with life science companies and executives, LSC has invested more than $20 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in community-based organizations and programs that provide access to basic needs, education, and economic opportunity. LSC operates in Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York, as well as in Switzerland. To learn more, visit lifesciencecares.org.
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