The St. Baldrick’s Foundation proudly announced the appointment of Grant Simon, Senior Vice President and Group Manager of the Venture Capital Group at Comerica Bank, to its Board of Directors.
Simon brought a wealth of professional expertise, strategic vision, and a deep personal passion for philanthropy to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s mission to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. His extensive background in business and leadership has allowed him to contribute significantly to the Foundation’s efforts to fund critical childhood cancer research and bring attention to the importance of continued support for this cause. His commitment to advancing the mission of St. Baldrick’s aligns with his personal values, and he brings a unique perspective to the Board of Directors, combining business acumen with a heartfelt dedication to making a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer.
In his previous role as Senior Vice President and Group Manager of the Venture Capital Group at Comerica Bank, Simon played a pivotal role in driving the strategic growth of the group in Northern California. His efforts were focused on investor engagement, corporate development, and sales strategies that aligned with the dynamic innovation ecosystem of the region. By developing strong relationships with key investors and stakeholders, Simon helped Comerica Bank expand its footprint in one of the most competitive and rapidly evolving markets in the world. His leadership in this highly competitive space had a profound impact on the bank’s position and reputation.
Simon’s career also spanned influential roles at Bridge Bank, where he successfully led the bank’s expansion into Southern California, further demonstrating his ability to drive growth in new and challenging markets. In addition, he held positions at SVB Financial Group, Apple, and Lam Research, each of which provided him with diverse and valuable experience in high-stakes environments. These roles have contributed to Simon’s reputation as a versatile leader with a proven ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to changing market dynamics. His broad experience in both financial services and technology sectors highlights his strategic mindset and skill in navigating complex business landscapes.
A graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Simon combined academic excellence with professional success to achieve impactful results. He was first introduced to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation at a “Cocktails for a Cure” event, where he was deeply moved by the stories of childhood cancer survivors. Having experienced cancer within his own family, Simon felt a personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. Inspired by the event, he expressed his desire to bring similar initiatives to the Bay Area, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering community involvement and raising funds for lifesaving research.
Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, said on this occasion:
“Grant’s extensive leadership experience and his heartfelt passion for our cause make him an incredible addition to our Board. His vision for engaging the Bay Area community, especially inspiring the younger generation to join our mission, and his dedication to supporting childhood cancer research will help us amplify our impact in meaningful ways.”
About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, a disease that strikes a child somewhere in the world every two minutes. In the U.S., one in five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive. As the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $354 million to researchers committed to Conquering Kids’ Cancer. When donors give to St. Baldrick’s, they are not just supporting one hospital, but every institution with the expertise to treat children with cancer across the U.S.
St. Baldrick’s plays a crucial role in ensuring that children currently battling cancer, as well as those who will be diagnosed in the future, have access to the most advanced treatments. The Foundation supports all stages of research, from innovative lab ideas to training the next generation of researchers, and funding lifesaving clinical trials. Over the past 25 years, St. Baldrick’s has been instrumental in nearly every major advancement in the field, and it remains essential in advancing progress and fostering innovation in childhood cancer research.