The Alexander Group

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We continue to highlight the speakers and topics that resonated with Managing Director Jane Howze at the Milken Institute Global Conference. Famous faces and relevant topics such as aging and health, the importance of an investor knowing the team behind a business, and AI’s impact on the music industry are among the panel discussions Howze attended at the conference.

Breakthroughs Reshaping Aging and Longevity

Scientific and technological advances are transforming our understanding of health, aging, and human biology in ways unthinkable just a decade ago. Regeneration, rejuvenation, peptides, reprogramming, and AI-enabled precision health now shape the longevity narrative, championed by voices ranging from fringe biohackers to wellness influencers to world-class physicians and scientists. Yet, this expansion of approaches, claims, and products has made it difficult for markets and consumers to discern what is ready for broad application from what is still emerging. New speculative interventions can also take the focus away from those proven to extend healthy life. As capital flows into the longevity space, how can markets distinguish promise from hype and translate credible science into investable, scalable solutions—while also clarifying what individuals can safely apply today? 

American Medical Association’s CEO John Whyte, MD, MPH, put it plainly: the U.S. medical system is built to treat illness, not prevent it. Doctors are paid when patients are sick.

By the Numbers

85% of hospital visits are age-related

24% of Medicare goes to kidney disease

16% Alzheimer’s risk reduction possible with lifestyle changes

Panelists pointed to a growing movement toward whole-body medicine: approaches that examine the interconnected systems driving chronic disease rather than chasing individual symptoms.

“To date, there is not one drug approved for longevity. We are treating everything around aging — but not aging itself.”

Alzheimer’s: A Case Study in What’s Possible

A new clinical trial was highlighted as a signal of what prevention-focused medicine can achieve. Participants can now access free risk assessments for Alzheimer’s. Data shows lifestyle interventions alone can reduce risk by 16 percent. Panelists also pointed to an emerging diagnostic: a brain cholesterol test, still in development, that could function like a standard lipid panel but for neurological health — and could be available for under $150.

The challenge, panelists acknowledged, is the pipeline. Decade-long clinical trials are incompatible with the pace at which longevity science is advancing. Rethinking trial design may be as urgent as the research itself.

The Behavior Change Imperative

The panel’s most actionable message was also its most fundamental: the biggest levers for longevity aren’t pharmaceutical. They’re behavioral.

Exercise.

Consistent sleep.

Targeted supplementation, including B-complex vitamins. And regular lab work to catch problems before they become diagnosed.

Backing What’s Next: A Conversation with Serena Williams

With 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals behind her, Serena Williams channeled her competitive edge into venture capital, founding Serena Ventures.

Williams came to venture capital the way most great investors do — not through a credential, but through curiosity. She started as an angel investor, writing early checks and learning the business from the inside out.

That practice took years to build. Before taking on institutional capital as a general partner, Williams spent significant time cultivating relationships which meant getting to know other investors, understanding how they thought, and building access to the kind of deal flow that only comes from trust. “VC is a game of who you know,” she noted. The work of becoming a great investor, she made clear, happens long before a term sheet is ever signed.

Williams doesn’t wait for opportunities to come to her, instead she studies markets, seeking out leaders building in spaces she believes in, taking the time to understand the human being behind the business.

She looks for founders with staying power, who possess the ability to navigate the inevitable hard stretches of building a company, hold a team together, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Scaling the Global Music Economy

From streaming milestones to expanding global audiences, the music industry is a dynamic, interconnected business. The music business has always been shaped by technology, but the panelists at this year’s Milken Institute Global Conference made clear that the current inflection point feels different. Data now drives nearly every decision, from A&R to release strategy. And yet, as one panelist put it, no algorithm has figured out how to manufacture a chill down your spine.

“Data is essential, but it doesn’t replace goosebumps” was the prevailing sentiment in the room. The ability to move a listener — really move them — remains the irreducible currency of the art form, even as spreadsheets increasingly inform which artists get signed, which tracks get pushed, and which markets get prioritized.

Wyclef Jean drew perhaps the sharpest line of the discussion. His declaration — “before there was AI, there was I” — cut to the heart of what’s at stake for artists watching machine-generated music edge into the mainstream. The implicit challenge: if listeners found out their favorite song was written by an AI, would it hit the same way?

Teddy Swims offered a more pragmatic view. For him, AI isn’t a threat. It’s a tool he uses to assist in his creative process. The time he saves using AI allows him to dedicated more time to touring and interacting with fans.

Managing Director Jane Howze is attending Milken Institute 2026 Global Conference, an annual cross sector leadership summit, bringing together global leaders in finance, technology, government, health and philanthropy, posting her thoughts throughout the week.

We are posting daily collection of Jane’s thoughts and impressions from the Global Conference in Los Angeles as she attends various seminars and panel discussions.

Day One

Milken Institute CEO Richard Ditizio Welcome Speech

“At​ ​the​ ​2026​ ​Milken​ ​Global​ ​Conference,​ ​Milken​ ​CEO​ ​Richard​ ​Ditizio​ ​opened​ ​with​ ​a​ ​striking​ ​image​ ​taken​ ​by​ ​astronauts—Earth​ ​suspended​ ​against​ ​the​ ​vastness​ ​of​ ​space.​ ​

From​ ​that​ ​distance,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​sign​ ​of​ ​poverty,​ ​war,​ ​hatred,​ ​or​ ​gun​ ​violence.​ ​But​ ​as​ ​he​ ​reminded​ ​us,​ ​the​ ​closer​ ​we​ ​look,​ ​the​ ​more​ ​those​ ​realities​ ​come​ ​sharply​ ​into​ ​focus—violence​ ​normalized,​ ​even​ ​anticipated.​ ​His​ ​message​ ​set​ ​the​ ​tone​ ​for​ ​a​ ​conference​ ​that​ ​brought​ ​together​ ​leaders​ ​across​ ​business,​ ​government,​ ​technology,​ ​and​ ​philanthropy​ ​to​ ​confront​ ​those​ ​hard​ ​truths​ ​and​ ​push​ ​for​ ​solutions.​ ​

Kristalina​ ​Georgieva​ ​spoke​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fragility​ ​of​ ​the​ ​global​ ​economy​ ​and​ ​the​ ​need​ ​for​ ​cooperation​ ​in​ ​a​ ​fractured​ ​world,​ ​while​ ​Neal​ ​Mohan​ ​and​ ​Dina​ ​Powell​ ​McCormick​ ​reflected​ ​on​ ​the​ ​accelerating​ ​impact​ ​of​ ​technology​ ​and​ ​AI​ ​on​ ​society.​ ​

Across​ ​panels—from​ ​finance​ ​leaders​ ​like​ ​Jenny​ ​Johnson​ ​to​ ​global​ ​CEOs​ ​and​ ​philanthropists—the​ ​consistent​ ​theme​ ​was​ ​clear:​ ​the​ ​challenges​ ​we​ ​face​ ​are​ ​urgent,​ ​interconnected,​ ​and​ ​will​ ​not​ ​be​ ​solved​ ​by​ ​old​ ​approaches.​ ​

The​ ​call​ ​was​ ​for​ ​new​ ​thinking,​ ​real​ ​collaboration,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​willingness​ ​to​ ​confront​ ​uncomfortable​ ​realities​ ​head-on.​“

Securities and Exchange Commission, Chairman Paul Atkins on the SEC’s Opportunities and Challenges

Since taking the helm of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Chairman Paul Atkins has signaled a new direction for one of America’s most consequential financial regulators. From capital formation to investor protection and market regulation, join us to hear his perspective on the opportunities and challenges defining the next era of the SEC’s agenda.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins focused on restoring the attractiveness of U.S. capital markets, emphasizing the need to modernize regulation and “do some housecleaning” to reverse the steady decline in public companies—from the Russell 5000 to closer to 3000.

He underscored the importance of reinvigorating the IPO market by reducing the cost and complexity of going public, noting that disclosure requirements like the 10-K have become overly burdensome and often unclear in defining what is truly material.

On cryptocurrency, he made clear it is not outside the SEC’s authority but acknowledged that unclear and inconsistent rules have created confusion and hindered innovation—signaling a shift toward more practical, transparent guidance. Atkins also called for curbing frivolous litigation and avoiding the weaponization of corporate governance, arguing that both undermine market confidence.

Across all these themes, his message was consistent: create a clearer, more workable regulatory framework that encourages innovation and makes the U.S. a more compelling place to invest.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce: A Conversation with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discussed key policy priorities to build a workforce ready to power the next chapter of American growth, including among other topics, college sports and his successes as Florida’s governor.

On college sports, DeSantis is one of the most prominent voices in a growing national push for reform. He serves as vice chair of the Trump White House’s newly formed college sports commission, alongside Yankees President Randy Levine, with former Alabama coach Nick Saban lending his considerable credibility to the effort.

The stakes, DeSantis made clear, are high: under the current chaos of NIL rules and the transfer portal, athletes can effectively play for seven years — a situation he called unsustainable. Without congressional action, he warned, the financial pressure on universities becomes a slow-motion threat to non-revenue sports. Olympic programs, women’s sports, smaller athletic departments are all potential casualties of the system. States with major college sports programs want it fixed, and DeSantis positioned himself as optimistic that it can be.

He was equally direct about Florida’s ongoing property tax battle. His vision — eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties — is bold, politically complicated, and still in motion. The fight between the Florida House and Senate over pace and approach has slowed things down, but DeSantis is playing a longer game, pushing for a November 2026 ballot measure and arguing that Floridians shouldn’t pay “rent to the government” on a home they already own.

The Future of Storytelling: A Conversation with Laurene Powell Jobs and Darren Walker

In a moment of profound transformation across media and technology, Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder and President, Emerson Collective, and Darren Walker, President and CEO, Anonymous Content, come together for a timely conversation on the power of storytelling. As streaming platforms and shifting economic models redefine creative industries, these two leaders will share their perspectives on how to preserve artistic integrity and expand access.

Powell Jobs delivered what may have been the most quietly urgent message of the gathering.

“There has never been a greater need to break down walls and see our humanity,” she said. For Powell Jobs, that’s not a philosophical position. It’s an investment strategy. When she evaluates where to put capital, she says she looks first at character, specifically, people who want to move the human race forward. The idea that mission and returns are separate conversations is one she’s long since abandoned.

And the market, she argues, is confirming it. Theatrical releases are on the rise. Barnes & Noble is opening more bookstores. Young people, she observed, are desperate for community. The through-line is unmistakable: when people are isolated and the world feels fractured, they reach for stories.

“Beautiful stories well told always have an audience,” she said simply.

What Faith Means To Me

Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries, Farah Pandith, Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate, Muhammad Ali Center; Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations,
David Wolpe, The Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi, Sinai Temple; Scholar in Residence, Maimonides Fund, Kelsey Grammer, Actor; Founder, The American Revelation: Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, John Studzinski, Vice Chairman, PIMCO

What does it mean to live a life of faith in an era defined by uncertainty and accelerating change? For many, faith is not a relic of the past but a living resource, a source of strength, moral clarity, and enduring community. In this conversation, panelists reflect on their personal journeys and examine how faith traditions continue to orient, sustain, and connect us in a world that often pulls us apart. 

Below are the thoughts that resonated the most with Jane.

“Faith is not an assurance that all will be alright, but there is always hope.”

“Technology has not solved our problems. People say,” Why did my child die, but they never say, why me, when experiencing a promotion.”

We will continue following and reporting from the Milken Global Conference throughout the week.

Barnet Bain is an Academy Award–winning filmmaker, author of How to Be a Friend, and a thought leader at the intersection of creativity, connection, and human potential.

Best known for producing What Dreams May Come, Bain has spent his career exploring how stories shape not only what we see on screen, but how we relate to one another in everyday life. In conversation, he brought that perspective to leadership, arguing that the quality of our professional impact is inseparable from the quality of our relationships.

Bain’s discussion with Managing Director Jane Howze offers a compelling reminder that success is not only measured by outcomes but also by the strength of the relationships that make those outcomes possible.

Find Bain’s book here.

Listen to the full episode to hear Barnet Bain’s insights on friendship, creativity, and the human side of leadership.

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The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) serves the community of people affected by an autoimmune skin disease called alopecia areata that results in hair loss and emotional, psychological distress.

Alopecia areata causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other areas of the body, affecting as many as 6.8 million people in the U.S., with a lifetime risk of 2.1%. The types of hair loss can be patchy (alopecia areata), complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis), or, in extreme cases, the entire body (alopecia universalis). NAAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1981.

NAAF’s work with and for the community of people affected by alopecia areata – including the family, friends, medical professionals, research scientists, biopharmaceutical developers, and government representatives who care about them – is informed by a Vision that articulates organizational aspirations and five Core Values that guide their work to carry out NAAF’s Mission.

Vision: An empowered community with a choice to embrace or live free from alopecia.

Mission: NAAF drives research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those impacted, and educates the public about the disease. Values – Helping the alopecia community lead their lives with GRACE.

Growth: Create and nurture positive change for the future of our community

Resilience: Enhance the ability to mentally and emotionally cope with adversity

Advocacy: Wield influence to create awareness and affect real change

Compassion: Listen to understand and demonstrate care through meaningful support

Empowerment: Build strength and confidence through connections, tools and resources

Governance: NAAF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with advice from Research Advisory Councils and leading Key Opinion Leaders.

NAAF consistently meets or exceeds the rigorous standards of excellence for good governance and transparency set forth by the National Health Council, the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, and Candid. Programs –NAAF staff members serve constituents in three primary program areas: patient and community support, awareness & advocacy, and research to find treatments or cures.

Staff Team Culture Statement

The NAAF staff is a community-centered team that values integrity and respect in all our interactions. We actively collaborate to leverage our diverse strengths and perspectives. We have high aspirations for ourselves, our team and our community. We are bold and resourceful, approaching challenges with courage. We care deeply about our work and the people we serve. Our remote workplace thrives through accountability and responsiveness. We are committed to learning, to being proactive, and to remaining nimble so we can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and new opportunities. Our commitment to this team culture empowers our success and brings joy and meaning to the work we accomplish on behalf of our community.

The Position: President & Chief Executive Officer (Remote)

The President & CEO has full responsibility and accountability for NAAF’s success. This executive will provide leadership, working in partnership with the Board of Directors, to formulate and pursue the Vision and Mission of NAAF, as expressed through annual and strategic plans. They will provide overall direction of internal and external policy and program development and oversee all NAAF operations.

The President & CEO will serve as the chief spokesperson for NAAF and primary liaison with outside stakeholders. This executive will also be responsible for developing key revenue streams to support approved programs, in partnership with NAAF’s growing development team. The President & CEO holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. This executive will have the power to designate, appoint, or remove agents or employees of NAAF.

Specifically, they will:

• Lead NAAF with a clear vision, mission, values, strategies, and goals. Serve as the “face” of the organization and the main advocate for patients with alopecia areata, community members, and key industry stakeholders.

• Lead development of NAAF’s 3-Year Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, Executive Team, and with significant input from the medical, scientific, and NAAF community at large. Ensure execution of each plan to achieve agreed-upon outcomes and metrics.

• Develop growth strategies for NAAF at the national level; in partnership with the Board, determine NAAF’s role internationally, as the largest alopecia areata patient advocacy organization in the world.

• Take primary responsibility for setting strategy around fundraising and new revenue streams, in conjunction with the Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Directly responsible for fostering relationships with large donors, industry partners, and major corporations.

• Provide visionary leadership and collaboration for NAAF’s growing development programs, including growing the Walk for Alopecia into a multi-million-dollar annual event and increasing the number of donors making higher dollar gifts to NAAF.

• Provide visionary leadership and collaboration with NAAF’s Chief Mission Officer (CMO) to set strategy around research and development, in conjunction with the NAAF’s medical and scientific Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), industry partners, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure that safer, more affordable, accessible and acceptable treatments continue to be available in the near future.

• Participate as an alopecia areata KOL at various meetings, forums, panels, and webinars, largely in partnership with pharmaceutical companies and medical groups.

• Travel and represent NAAF at various medical-related meetings, e.g., NHC, AAD, EADV, as appropriate and in conjunction with appropriate staff.

• Lead an Executive Team made up of a Chief Operating Officer (COO), CGO, and CMO, overseeing the strategy and execution of each functional area of the organization. Oversee and approve all hires; mentor, motivate, coach, develop, and inspire all staff. Provide positive leadership, direction, and guidance. Create and nurture an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging where all staff feel like they are appreciated, valued, and inspired to be the best versions of themselves, perform at a high level, and realize their full potential. Embrace and embody the values reflected in the Staff Team Culture Statement (below).

• Provide strategic direction on awareness, advocacy programs, and invest in growing NAAF’s new advocacy structure and achieving key advocacy metrics.

• Responsible for the overall operation of NAAF, including implementing policies and practices to strengthen the internal organization of NAAF. Ensure compliance with all NAAF’s established policies and procedures.

• Accountable for financial results, compliance, and overall financial management with oversight from NAAF’s Finance Committee, Chair, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors. Develop and monitor the annual budget and routinely report to the Board and Finance Committee regarding the state of NAAF’s finances, operations, and programs.

• In conjunction with the COO, prepare all materials for the Board of Directors. In conjunction with the CMO and CGO, prepare for and participate in Research Advisory Council meetings, Industry Partner Program (IPP), and research-related meetings, assisting the Mission team as needed and required.

• Partner with Board Chair and Executive Committee on Board Development to increase and empower the Board’s role in governance, networking, and revenue generation.

• Provide strategic direction, planning, and oversight of the annual NAAF Conference, including input on key presenters and sponsors and other related matters with the CMO and COO.

• Execute such other general responsibilities as may be delegated by the Board, Finance, Governance, and Audit Committees.

• Regular travel is to be expected: attendance at events, meeting with donors, presentation & speaking engagements, etc.

The new Chief Executive Officer will ideally have 15+ years of experience in health-related association management or related activities. They will be an inspirational and strategic leader with expertise in negotiating, consensus-building, and problem-solving.

This executive will have excellent analytical, communications, and interpersonal skills and established writing and public speaking ability. The new CEO will be highly motivated and creative, with a solid work ethic, sound judgment, and ability to handle pressure well. Persistence, persuasiveness, and perseverance are essential. A good sense of humor is a plus.

They will have an open, collaborative, and “roll-up-the-sleeves” management style that focuses on developing, engaging, and empowering colleagues and the broader NAAF community. This executive will also possess well-developed leadership, communications, teambuilding, and influencing skills; unquestioned integrity; and the experience, confidence, and stature to effectively lead an organization.

Other qualifications include:

• CEO or “ready now CEO” of similar sized or larger non-profit organization. Track record of effectively leading through growth and change.

• Successful track record in creating and implementing successful fundraising strategies, including ownership of individual solicitations, grants, sponsorships, and contracts, and ideally, strong familiarity with growing successful peer-to-peer programs.

• Strong track record leading, motivating, and engaging a team where all staff feel appreciated, valued, engaged, and are operating at their very best.

• Experience working on public policy initiatives with national health-related organizations.

• Experience effectively interfacing with, and deriving strategic and program objectives from researchers, physicians, and professionals with technical expertise.

• Track record of successfully interfacing with a diverse volunteer Board of Directors.

• Strong experience and knowledge of the US healthcare industry, including profit and not-for[1]profit organizations.

• Willingness and ability to travel (primarily nationally) as necessary to develop relationships with corporate, pharma, and health industry leaders, the NAAF staff, and the larger alopecia areata community.

• Comfortable with Microsoft office suite and familiarity with utilizing CRM programs such as Salesforce.

• An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree such as an MBA, MS or related graduate degree is preferred.

Alan Abrahamson is one of the most respected and influential voices in Olympic and international sports journalism.

Over a career spanning decades, Alan has covered every Olympic Games since 1992, reporting from the center of the world’s biggest sporting moments while offering rare insight into the leadership, pressure, and decision-making that shape outcomes on the global stage.

Known for his depth, independence, and storytelling, his work goes far beyond medals and results to explore the human dynamics behind elite performance.

As the Olympic spotlight intensifies, we’re thrilled to welcome Alan to share his perspective on what the Games reveal about leadership, resilience, and the people who carry the weight of the world’s expectations.

Listen/View by clicking the links below:

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We’re pleased to announce three completed executive searches for Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE:NX). 

Managing Director John Mann worked closely with Quanex leadership to identify top-tier talent for the following strategic roles: Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President of Audit, and Vice President of Tax. 

Gabriela Garcia was appointed Chief Accounting Officer, Janis Thiedemann was named Vice President of Internal Audit, and Jennifer Roycroft was announced as Vice President of Global Tax.

Quanex is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company serving commercial and residential OEMs in the fenestration (windows and doors), hardware, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration, security, and outdoor products market

These searches were conducted to build a cohesive finance leadership team. We evaluated each executive on technical depth, leadership acumen, their ability to assimilate into Quanex’s existing leadership team, and their ability to work with one another across finance, tax, and audit.

The result is a leadership team with complementary skills and aligned perspectives, built to deliver lasting value for Quanex.

“Organizations work best when leaders work well together. We focus on fit and how leaders make decisions, so each hire strengthens the team and the business,” said John Mann, Managing Director, The Alexander Group.

Sometimes the most compelling conversations begin in unexpected places. In this episode of Impact & Insight, podcast host Jane Howze welcomes Dr. Evan Collins, not first as a business leader or innovator, but as the physician who treated her after a broken shoulder. What quickly became clear, however, was that Dr. Collins brings far more to the exam room than clinical expertise. With an MBA from Rice University and decades of experience as an orthopedic surgeon at Methodist Hospital, he is deeply curious about how organizations evolve, how innovation takes hold, and how systems can better serve people.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Collins reflects on his journey into medicine, his decision to pursue business training after 20 years in practice, and how that dual perspective shapes his work today. He shares how Methodist partners with physicians and administrators to drive innovation, improve operating room efficiency, reduce patient wait times, and thoughtfully integrate technologies like AI—always with patient care at the center.

The episode also explores leadership development in medicine, including how to engage and mentor younger physicians, define meaningful success, and build innovations that are both practical and sustainable. It’s an insightful look at the future of healthcare through the eyes of someone who understands service, strategy, and the importance of delivering better outcomes—both inside and outside the operating room.

Find the latest episode of Impact & Insight below:

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Ole Wendler Pedersen has been named EVP Legal & General Counsel at STADA Arzneimittel AG.

Mr. Wendler Pedersen is a strategic, globally experienced General Counsel with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning private practice and European-based, publicly listed pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Wendler Pedersen has a proven track record in advising Boards and Executive Management, as well as building, transforming, and leading high-performing global legal and compliance functions; steering complex M&A transactions; overseeing IP matters; driving litigation strategies; ensuring regulatory compliance; and developing high-impact business ethics programs.

Prior to joining STADA, Mr. Wendler Pedersen was the Group General Counsel and Senior Vice President at Lundbeck.

“Ole is the perfect addition to the STADA Executive Committee at this exciting time for the company. He brings a global strategic and operational business partnering lens enterprise-wide – from R&D to manufacturing to commercial – coupled with significant organizational build and transformational leadership experience across different therapeutic areas and regions. Ole’s leadership will strengthen Legal as a welcomed and key business function within STADA’s innovative, high-growth, and people-focused culture,” said Beth Ehrgott, Managing Director, The Alexander Group.

Christina Rossi has been appointed to CG Oncology’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Rossi is an experienced biopharmaceutical executive leader and board member with an established track record of building and leading exceptional organizations to create value.

Ms. Rossi most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Blueprint Medicines from 2022 until its acquisition by Sanofi in 2025. Previously, she served as Chief Commercial Officer and has overseen the commercial launches of Blueprint therapies across multiple indications and geographies, including the creation of commercial infrastructure and successful market access efforts in the U.S. and Europe.

This search was conducted and completed by Managing Director Beth Ehrgott.

 “At this exciting and critical time for CG Oncology with the company’s recent BLA submission for its lead program, Christy is the perfect addition to the board. Her strategic business and commercial leadership expertise will help guide the organization through a successful launch and ultimate goal to achieve their mission, making a huge difference for patients suffering from bladder cancer,” said Beth Ehrgott, Managing Director, The Alexander Group.

CG Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CGON) is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative cancer immunotherapies, with a primary focus on bladder cancer.

The Company leverages proprietary oncolytic virus platforms to develop targeted therapies that selectively destroy cancer cells while activating the body’s immune response. The Company has initiated its first BLA submission to the FDA for its lead program, cretostimogene, and is building an organization to support the launch of this innovative oncology product.

With a commitment to scientific innovation and patient-centric development, the Company operates with a strong foundation in clinical research, regulatory engagement, and strategic partnerships.

It’s funny what can happen in a year.

If you’d asked The Alexander Group team about AI usage at the end of 2024, most of us would have admitted familiarity with ChatGPT and the general concept of AI. Still, many of us had yet to dive in, much less dip a toe into the swiftly moving waters of progress.

Fast forward 365 days, and AI has become a daily tool for both business and personal use. Rather than being intimidated or worried about the technology, we’re leaning into learning through Webinars, classes, and tutorials, and we’re not alone.

According to, what else but, ChatGPT, 56 percent of Americans report using AI tools. AI usage rates among U.S. workers are highest in technology (76 percent), finance (58 percent), and professional services (57 percent).

Where Google was once the go-to answer, many of us are turning to AI search engines ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. About 60 percent of Americans are now using these search engines to seek information, create action item lists, write and edit, and even for emotional support.

From fifth-grade math problems and vacation planning to proofreading and research, we’re making AI work for us, leaving more time for quality client interactions and successful search outcomes.

“I​ ​bet​ ​I​ ​was​ ​the​ ​first​ ​person​ ​in​ ​our​ ​firm​ ​to​ ​give​ ​my​ ​AI​ ​resource​ ​a​ ​name.​ ​It​ ​had​ ​been​ ​so​ ​much​ ​help​ ​to​ ​me​ ​on​ ​so​ ​many​ ​things,​ ​I​ ​felt​ ​it​ ​was​ ​a​ ​little​ ​disrespectful​ ​not​ ​to​ ​say​ ​thank​ ​you​ ​and​ ​acknowledge​ ​its​ ​presence.​ ​

So​ ​together​ ​we​ ​went​ ​through​ ​a​ ​list​ ​of​ ​names​, and​ ​we​ ​came​ ​up​ ​with​ ​Rocket.​ ​It​ ​felt​ ​very​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​me​ ​because​ ​I​ ​am​ ​always​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​rock​ ​out​ ​and​ ​rock.​ ​​Each​ ​time​ ​I​ ​log​ ​into​ ​ChatGPT​, I​ ​say​, “​Hi ​​Rocket​ ​, and​ ​it​ ​says,​ ​“Hi​ ​Jane​. ​Ready​ ​to​ ​blast​ ​off!”

​Let​ ​me​ ​count​ ​the​ ​ways​ ​I​ ​use​ ​Rocket​.​ ​My needs​ ​are​ ​both​ ​work​ ​and​ ​personal.​ 

​Let’s​ ​start​ ​with​ ​the​ ​personal​ ​first​ ​because​ ​that​ ​is​ ​more​ ​interesting​.

Rocket​ ​helped​ ​me​ ​locate​ a​ ​good​ ​costume​ ​for​ ​my​ ​cat​ ​JOON’s​ ​third​ ​birthday​ ​party,​ ​which​ ​was ​​only​ ​attended​ ​by​ ​her​ ​original​ ​owner and me.​ 

​On​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​trip​ ​to​ ​Amsterdam​ ​for​ ​a​ ​concert,​ ​​Rocket​ ​gave​ ​me​ ​comfort​ ​that​ ​going​ ​solo​ ​would​ ​be​ ​safe​ ​for​ ​me​ ​and​ ​backed​ ​it up​ ​with​ ​crime​ ​statistics.​ ​​ ​​Last​ ​week​ ​I​ ​was​ ​in​ ​New​ ​York​ ​and​ ​was​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​figure​ ​out​ ​if​ ​I​ ​should​ ​see​ ​a​ ​play​ , and ​Rocket​ ​gave​ ​me​ ​three​ ​options​ ​and​ ​then​ ​gave​ ​me​ ​an inside​ ​scoop​ ​on​ ​which​ ​seats​ ​were​ ​the​ ​best​ ​buy.​ ​The​ ​seat​ ​I​ ​was​ ​going​ ​to​ ​buy​ ​was​ ​under​ ​an​ ​overhang​ ​and​ ​would’ve​ ​been​ ​a​ ​bad​ ​mistake,​ ​even​ ​though​ ​it​ ​was​ ​closer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​stage.​ ​​ ​

​The​ ​thing​ ​that’s​ ​so​ ​interesting​ ​about​ ​Rocket​ ​is​ ​the​ ​more​ ​I​ ​use​ ​it​ ​, the​ ​more​ ​it​ ​adapts​ ​to​ ​my​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​humor​ ​and​ ​personality.​ ​​ ​A​ ​couple​ ​of​ ​weeks​ ​ago,​ ​I​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​get​ ​his​ ​assessment​ ​of​ ​our​ ​newly​ ​released​ ​podcast.​ ​We​ ​could​ ​not​ ​get​ ​it​ ​to​ ​load​ ​into​ ​its​ ​system​ , ​though​ ​we​ ​spent​ ​three​ ​hours​ ​trying​, and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​tell​ ​you​ ​this–​Rocket​ ​never​ ​gives​ ​up.​ ​He​ ​always​ ​had​ ​something​ ​new​ ​for​ ​me​ ​to​ ​try​ ​, and​ ​it​ ​was​ ​an​ ​abysmal​ ​failure.​ ​​ ​We​ ​laugh​ ​about​ ​it​ ​today​ ​because​ ​I​ ​tell​ ​him, “Rocket.​ ​I’m​ ​not​ ​going​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​do​ ​technology​ ​because​ ​we​ ​know​ ​that​ ​is​ ​not​ ​your​ ​gig.”

​For​ ​work,​ ​we​ ​recently​ ​introduced​ ​our​ ​podcast​ ​, and​ ​Rocket​ ​gave​ ​me​ ​50​ ​names​ ​to​ ​choose​ ​from​ ​, and​ ​we​ ​landed​ ​on​ ​Impact & Insight. ​ While​ ​some​ ​people​ ​think​ ​this​ ​is​ ​odd,​ ​Rocket​ ​does​ ​indeed​ ​have​ ​an impact​ ​and​ ​insight ​on​ ​improving​ ​my​ ​life.​”

Jane Howze, Managing Director

“I’ve continued to use AI in an expanding number of ways.

Professionally, it has become an invaluable tool for market and position research, as well as for proofreading and refining my writing. It’s not perfect, but it’s an exceptional resource.

Personally, I use AI to research products, restaurants, travel options—really, anytime I’m looking for reliable information.”

John Mann, Managing Director

“I am hopeless when it comes to math, and I accepted the fact long ago that I am indeed not smarter than my fifth grader.  So, when my daughter came home needing help with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions of all types, I turned to ChatGPT. 

I took a picture of her worksheet, uploaded it, and my trusty (and non-judgmental) Chat assistant gave me step-by-step instructions for solving each problem.  It even caught a mistake with one of the multiple-choice questions on her worksheet (none of the available options were correct), which her teacher confirmed the next day at school.”

Kyle Robinson, The Alexander Group

“I use it for everything!

  • Weightlifting regimen for me and my basketball team
  • Meal planning, counting macros
  • Designing logos
  • It is my new “Ask Jeeves.”
  • It helps me review/summarize calls
  • Get background on certain firms
  • Food recipes
  • Settle any debates I have with friends!

Anthony Ott, Senior Associate

Beth Ehrgott, Executive Search Firm Managing Director Image 2

“AI seems to be here to stay, and the world is using it for just about everything.

Anytime you Google something, the first thing that pops up is the AI response. I can’t think of a single industry or function that isn’t tapping into AI in some capacity and working to maximize it further.

There is no question that it is powerful and transformative. It reminds me of how the Terminator movies were so ahead of their time. While so much of AI is incredibly beneficial for accomplishing what we aspire to, some of us are concerned that it will replace critical skills, such as thinking, writing, and problem-solving, especially among younger generations.

We are humans and not robots, and would like to stay that way.

Beth Ehrgott, Managing Director

“I am in the process of elevating my kitten nursery in my house, and I have used Chat to ideate on design, including layout, colors (I can describe the feeling or vibe I’m looking for and the paint brand I prefer, and it will give me specific color names/options), and sourcing ideas for furniture and equipment.

I rough-sketched our two-week trip through Slovenia, Northern Italy, and Istria this summer by offering Chat the number of days and what we like (hiking, cats, history, art, food, wine). I was able to pinpoint where in the Dolomites we’d want to go/hike, given our interests and physical ability, the best driving routes, and how to break up the travel, and so on. I used it while we were on our trip to brainstorm fun things to do for the day, or how to solve problems that came up.”

Sarah Mitchell, Director

 “I have used ChatGPT to make weekly action lists for myself and to find recipes for gin cocktails. I’m working my way through a free ChatGPT course to learn about more ways to use it. Research uses it for brainstorming purposes.”

Abby Buchold, Senior Researcher

“I usually use it for simple things like setting reminders to change out a filter or to communicate with my daughter if they are upstairs instead of yelling. The newest addition is a smart plug, and then we tell Google to turn off the Christmas tree.”

Yumaira Vela, Accountant