LOS ANGELES (Dec. 12, 2012) – The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) is pleased to welcome Rodney D. Franks as its new Vice President of Development. Mr. Franks brings to LA BioMed more than 20 years of successful leadership and team experience in not-for-profit organizations, having raised more than $125 million in capital campaigns and annual giving programs at universities, arts institutions, and at two major health care organizations.

“Rodney’s extensive background and experience will be key factors in bringing new development opportunities to LA BioMed,” said David I. Meyer, Ph.D., President and CEO at LA BioMed. “We look forward to having him help us attract new corporate partners and increase LA BioMed’s visibility within the community so the Institute can continue its mission of serving the underserved.”

Mr. Franks recently worked as a fundraising, marketing and strategy consultant, helping not-for-profit and for-profit organizations quickly and efficiently improve their strategic organizational efforts. Mr. Franks also served as Chief Executive Officer of the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation in Lynwood, California, and held development leadership roles at Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee, Loyola University in Chicago, and at St. Louis University.

“With LA BioMed being the best kept secret in Southern California as far as distinguished research institutions, we are pleased to have Rodney on board and welcome his expertise to help elevate the Institute’s profile within our region, the business sector, and the philanthropic community,” said Steven A. Nissen, Esq., Chair of LA BioMed’s Board of Directors. “This added exposure will enable our clinician-researchers to continue delivering quality health care to those who need it the most.”

Mr. Franks holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Russian Studies. He also attended law school at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Franks is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.

About LA BioMed

Founded in 1952, LA BioMed is one of the country’s leading nonprofit independent biomedical research institutes. It has approximately 100 principal researchers conducting studies into improved treatments and cures for cancer, inherited diseases, infectious diseases, illnesses caused by environmental factors and more. It also educates young scientists and provides community services, including prenatal counseling and childhood nutrition programs. LA BioMed is academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and located on the campus of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.org