CPRIT: A former congressman joined its board

PETE GEREN  a well known  former Democratic congressman from the Fort Worth counties, has been named to the CPRIT governing board.  He will bring much needed dynamism and fortitude to CPRIT.

He was nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representative Joe Straus to replace TOM LUCE who is now the new chief operating officer of the O’Donnell Foundation since April 1st, 2013.  The Dallas foundation of philanthropist Peter O’Donnell and his wife Edith, is reported to have contributed more than $600 million over the past 30 years to support scientific research and education.  Their link to CPRIT has been controversial at best!
In other related news, Jay Maguire, a lobbyist with long ties to Tobacco companies, was hired 3 months ago by the CPRIT Foundation, now called the Texas Cancer Coalition.
Observers have been proud of changes and the new direction that CPRIT has taken overall. We wish this important organization for Texas well!