Doug Ulman
President & CEO, Pelotonia, Columbus, USA
Why you should listen
Doug Ulman runs one of the most successful fundraising cycling events in the world, Pelotonia. He was also director of LIVESTRONG Foundation for seven years.
Whilst Pelotonia focuses on cancer research and LIVESTRONG works to support the field of cancer survivorship, both mobilize grassroots communities to create an impact. Both also utilize storytelling as a mechanism for inspiring action.
Dubbed as the “Most Savvy Health Care Leader in Social Media”, Doug focuses on communication, stewardship, and innovation to strengthen communities that support scientists and cancer research.
A three-time cancer survivor himself, he and his family founded the Ulman Cancer Fund for young adults.
Hear Doug speak at WORLDWEBFORUM 2020 about how he changes lives and ensures sustainability of his non-profit organizations.
About Pelotonia
Founded in 2008 as a grassroots bike tour to end cancer, Pelotonia has quickly become more than just a one-weekend-a-year event in Columbus, Ohio. Today, it is a nationally recognized brand and social movement still fueled by its unwavering mission to find accelerate funding for innovative cancer research.
Unique in its approach, Pelotonia’s primary core value is that 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. The impact of these dollars is already evident, as Pelotonia funds are invested in young scientists, high risk ideas, and clinical trials, from which numerous breakthroughs have already been made.
The word Pelotonia is derived from the root word “peloton”, which is a team of riders working together to increase speed and efficiency. The more people who join the Pelotonia movement, the faster and more efficiently we will find a cure for cancer. Whether you ride, “virtually” ride, donate, volunteer, or buy and proudly wear Pelotonia gear, there is no greater satisfaction than engaging with the Pelotonia community and seeing your efforts have a direct impact on the lives of people all over the world.
Pelotonia funds, so far, 108 idea grants have been given to researchers with transformational ideas; 440 fellowships have been awarded to brilliant, young scientists; and 87 senior scientists have been funded to pursue cutting-edge research. Additionally, several statewide initiatives have been funded by Pelotonia dollars resulting in thousands of lives saved each and every year. In the first nine years Pelotonia has raised over 157 million dollars for cancer research.
Biography
In November 2014, Doug became President & Chief Executive Officer of Pelotonia, a grassroots organization that has raised more than $130 million for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC). In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the strategic vision and direction of Pelotonia and also serves as an advisor to the OSUCCC. Doug speaks frequently at some of the nation’s most acclaimed festivals and conferences including the Social Good Summit, the Inc. 500|5000 Conference, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Clinton Global Initiative University, TedxAustin and SXSW Interactive, and YPO Chapters across the country. Doug has also spoken to, and consulted with numerous Fortune 100 companies and fast growing startups.
Doug’s personal story, and his leadership accomplishments, have been featured on most major media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, NBC News, ABC News, MSNBC, among many others. Doug has been honored with many accolades including twice being named on the Non-Profit Times Power and Influence Top 50 Non-Profit Executives list bestowed on the top non-profit leaders in the United States. Doug currently holds numerous civic and charitable board positions for organizations such as the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and C-Change. He is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Doug served for four years on the National Cancer Institute Director’s Consumer Liaison Group and has served on the Board of the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) as well as many other philanthropic, healthcare and entrepreneurial ventures