Tighe to step down as Direct Relief’s CEO at year’s end
Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief, one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, announced that longtime President and CEO Thomas Tighe will be stepping down from his role at the end of the year.
Tighe has been Direct Relief’s chief executive for the past 24 years, leading the organization and expanding its critical work around the world.
“It has been a privilege every day for nearly 24 years to be part of Direct Relief’s important work to help people in need overcome health challenges and enjoy the wonders of life,” Tighe said in a press release.
“The organization’s simple humanitarian mission existed long before I arrived, and it remains essential and inspiring. I have complete confidence that Direct Relief will continue to serve people in a thoughtful, respectful, and efficient way and that the organization will thrive.”
Direct Relief’s Board of Directors will oversee the search for the next President and CEO, according to a press release.
“We are grateful for Thomas’ deep commitment to Direct Relief’s mission over the last 24 years and his unwavering servant leadership,” said Direct Relief board chair Mark Linehan in a press release.
“This next stage at Direct Relief will build upon Thomas’s extraordinary vision and track record to ensure our continued success and growth. It will bring about new opportunities for growth and a recommitment to our mission as the Board begins its executive search to find the next person to support Direct Relief’s efforts to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies globally.”
Since arriving at the end of 2000, Direct Relief has grown to become the fifth-largest charity in the United States and among the largest providers of charitable medications within the U.S. and globally.
During Tighe’s tenure, Direct Relief has provided over $16 billion in essential medicines, equipment, and supplies and more than $350 million in grants to health organizations in 136 countries and all U.S. states and territories, according to a press release.
On Nov. 21, the global nonprofit announced it had donated and delivered more than $2 billion in medicine and medical supplies since 2008 to address chronic gaps in the U.S. healthcare system.
This also includes over $25 million given to over 90 healthcare and non-profit organizations based on the Central Coast — something that Tighe was, and still is, very proud of.
“It’s always something special to do anything in your town,” he told the Business Times on Nov. 28.
“Direct Relief is big in some ways, but it’s also never lost its small-town roots and we shouldn’t. The reality is that people in Santa Barbara County and this area carried Direct Relief from their shoulders for 75 years and so it’s always feels particularly rewarding to do something within this community and give back.”
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