Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Oversight Committee Appointments Announced

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today appointed three members to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee for terms to expire Dec. 4, 2011. The Committee will guide the work of the Institute, which will be responsible for awarding an estimated $3 billion in grants over the next 10 years to expedite innovation in cancer research, attract and expand cancer prevention and treatment research capabilities. Texas voters last fall approved the use of bonds to fund cancer research and prevention.

"I have every confidence that the men and women endowed to lead this institute will carry out their duties with the utmost responsibility and the highest level of integrity," said Gov. Perry. "Their exceptional leadership skills and passion to bring hope and a cure to those suffering from cancer will ensure that the money allocated to this fund is spent wisely and efficiently."

Malcolm Gillis of Houston is a professor at Rice University and formerly served as president of the university from 1993-2004. He is a board member of the Natural Council for Science and Environment, and board chairman of BioHouston and the Vietnam Education Foundation. He is also a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and member of the American Economic Association. Additionally, Gillis formerly served on the board of the Houston Symphony, St. Luke’s Hospital of Houston and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida at Gainesville, and a doctorate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jeanne J. Phillips of Dallas is senior vice president of Hunt Consolidated, Inc. She is a past presidential appointee to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France, where she served as U.S. permanent representative and ambassador. Phillips is also past owner and operator of Jeanne Johnson and Company, Inc., a Dallas-based fundraising firm. She received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University.

Scott C. Sanders of Austin is owner and CEO of River City Sportswear. He is a board member of the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Golf Tournament and the Coastal Conservation Association of Austin. Additionally, he is a member of the South Austin Civic Club, past member of the Austin Young Men’s Business League and a volunteer coach at the Regents School of Austin. He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.