Los Angeles Chapter of Israel Cancer Research Fund Appoints Mr. Mitch Orlik as Executive Director; Additional Staffing Changes Prepare Organization for Growth.

LOS ANGELES -- The Israel Cancer Research Fund -- Los Angeles Chapter (ICRF-LA) announced today that it has appointed Mr. Mitch Orlik, a veteran in Jewish and healthcare-oriented philanthropy, to the position of Executive Director. In this position, Mr. Orlik will oversee the professional operations, fundraising activities and staff of ICRF-LA.

"Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors and professional staff of ICRF-LA, we are very pleased and excited that Mitch is joining our organization," said William L. Robbins, Chairman of the Board. Mr. Robbins continued, "Mitch is exactly the non-profit development professional we have been looking for because of his extensive experience in major gifts-oriented philanthropy. With his extensive experience in raising charitable funds for Jewish causes, healthcare institutions and medical research, I am confident that Mitch will help propel ICRF-LA to greater prominence within LA's vibrant philanthropic community."

Yashar Hirshaut, M.D., President of ICRF's international organization in New York, said, "We have found in Mitch Orlik the right professional at the right time for ICRF and the Los Angeles Chapter. The lay leaders and staff of all of ICRF's six chapters in North America and Israel look forward to working closely with Mitch as we pursue new avenues of growth."

Originally from Cincinnati, Mr. Orlik joined ICRF officially on December 1, 2005, following an extensive search process. He brings to the organization more than 25 years of non-profit experience in Jewish Federations, medical and eldercare settings.

His 20 years in the Jewish Federation field included seven as the Executive Vice President of the Jewish Federation in Columbus, Ohio. Recognized for award-winning annual and special campaigns, Mr. Orlik was responsible for all of the Federation's activities, including the coordination of 12 community service agencies located on a 100-acre campus with $40 million of facilities and combined operating budgets in excess of $20 million.

Since returning to Los Angeles in 2000, Mr. Orlik has worked at the Jewish Home for the Aging and as Director of Development for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. As Director of Development for Cedars-Sinai, he assisted in creating a $45 million (annual) major gifts fundraising program. He also created the first fundraising PR/communication program for the medical center that creatively repositioned the fundraising effort. His professional involvements also extend nationally, including serving as president of the Association of Community Organization Professionals (AJCOP).

Mr. Orlik has master's degrees in social work from Washington University and Jewish communal service from Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles.

Speaking about his new appointment, Mr. Orlik said, "I was attracted to ICRF and the outstanding opportunity to direct the Los Angeles Chapter as the organization and the position tie together many of the themes that run through my professional and personal life. The clarity and importance of the ICRF mission -- supporting Israel and its research scientists by funding innovative cancer research to benefit people everywhere -- was a major motivator for me, as is the chance to work with ICRF-LA's lay leadership and staff."

In addition to the appointment of Mr. Orlik, ICRF-LA announced additional staffing changes.

Marjorie Cohen, who became ICRF-LA's Executive Director more than 12 years ago following a career in real estate, and is known and loved for her selfless dedication to ICRF's mission, will be retiring from her full-time responsibilities with ICRF, and assuming the newly created position of Chapter Advisor. In this important consulting role, Ms. Cohen will work closely with Mr. Orlik and the chapter's lay leaders on maintaining and developing key donor relationships. She will also contribute her unparalleled experience in the planning of charitable events. Ms. Cohen was a 2005 recipient of ICRF-LA's prestigious Women of Action Award.

Lynn Addotta, who was promoted earlier this year to Associate Director, Administration, will continue to manage ICRF-LA's finances, databases, human resources and vendor relations. Ms. Devinn Aaron Williams, who joined ICRF-LA in May, is Administrative Assistant.

Maxene Johnston, Founder and President of Johnston & Associates (www.johnstonco.org), served as ICRF-LA's retained search consultant on the Executive Director assignment.

About ICRF and the Los Angeles Chapter

The Israel Cancer Research Fund is the only voluntary charitable organization in North America solely devoted to supporting cancer research in Israel. Since 1975, ICRF has provided more than $31 million in funding through more than 1,500 research grants to outstanding cancer researchers whose laboratories are located in all of the leading scientific research institutions, universities and hospitals across Israel. ICRF has local chapters in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto and Jerusalem. For more information about ICRF, to inquire about events, to volunteer, or to make a donation, contact the Los Angeles Chapter at 323-651-1200, or visit www.icrfla.org.