Longtime Board member brings more than 25 years in research, drug development and medical affairs as he succeeds co-founder and CMO Emeritus Brian Koffman, MDCM
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- CLL Society, a leading authority for people living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), today announced the appointment of Kirk Taylor, MD, a physician-scientist and member of its Board of Directors for more than three years, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Taylor succeeds co-founder Brian Koffman, MDCM, who built a patient advocacy platform that gave a voice to people diagnosed with CLL/SLL. Dr. Koffman retired as Chief Medical Officer and has resumed his position on the Board of Directors, where he continues to support CLL Society and contribute to its vision.
The appointment marks the start of CLL Society's next stage. Treatment options for CLL/SLL have expanded and the community CLL Society serves has matured. Dr. Taylor adds the perspective of a physician-scientist: years of research and patient care, and experience bringing therapies through development and working with the FDA and other government institutions. His expertise builds on the foundation that Dr. Koffman set, and strengthens CLL Society's ability to explain new science clearly as it reaches patients.
Trained as a neurologist, Dr. Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience in drug development and medical affairs, including in CLL. As Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Verastem Oncology, he led medical strategy for a CLL/SLL therapy. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, where he led the state's 10-year strategy to grow its life sciences sector. He is also an officer and board member of the Augustus A. White III Health Equity Institute. He was selected through a CMO Search Committee process with the full support of the Board of Directors.
"Brian and Patricia Koffman built CLL Society into a place where patients and families find answers they can trust," said Dr. Taylor. "I've seen that trust up close from my board position, and I'm honored to build on the foundation Brian created. As we look ahead, we are growing in the direction of where the science is going, where patients need us most and where families and care partners benefit. Health equity has been central to my work for years, and I'm committed to ensuring cancer care and education reach every community. Everyone affected by CLL/SLL deserves equitable access to quality education, support and care. My focus is making sure trusted guidance reaches every one of them, especially those who have had the hardest time finding it."
"I've known Kirk for over 10 years, and planning for this moment was one of the most important things I've done for CLL Society," said Dr. Koffman. "Patricia and I started CLL Society so that no one facing CLL/SLL would have to go through it alone. I brought certain strengths to this work as a physician-patient. Our community has matured to the point where a physician-scientist brings a new and needed perspective. Kirk knows every aspect of drug development, from clinical trial design to FDA approval, and how to work with the FDA and other government institutions. We often say 'Smart Patients Get Smart Care,' and with Kirk leading our medical work, even more people living with CLL will have what they need to lead healthier, richer lives."
"Brian gave CLL Society an invaluable vision and a strong medical foundation, and Kirk is the right person to build on it," said Steve Bloom, President & Chair, CLL Society. "As CLL science advances, so do the needs of our community. Kirk's experience in research and drug development gives us the expertise to meet those needs and reach more people with information they can rely on."
Looking ahead
With Dr. Taylor leading its medical work, CLL Society is positioned to expand its reach so trusted guidance keeps pace with the science. The organization is building new ways for patients and care partners to find physician-curated information, and he will lead the medical integrity of that work in partnership with the Medical Advisory Board. You can read more about Kirk here.
About CLL Society
CLL Society is a leading authority for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, families, caregivers and medical professionals. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Brian Koffman, a physician, CLL patient and advocate, and Patricia Koffman, a care partner and advocate, the nonprofit organization addresses the unmet needs of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) community through patient education, advocacy, support and research. CLL Society is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. To learn more, visit www.cllsociety.org.
Media Contact
Gabriel Poe-Anderson, CLL Society, 1 5015543425, [email protected], cllsociety.org
SOURCE CLL Society
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