The Indiana State Chapter was thrilled to welcome Breakthrough T1D CEO, Derek Rapp, to Indianapolis last week.  Derek spoke at a research reception hosted by Lilly, collaborated with the local staff and board members, met with several business leaders and donors in the Indianapolis area, and was interviewed on Inside Indiana Business.

Derek Rapp is President and Chief Executive Officer of Breakthrough T1D. Prior to his appointment in 2014, Derek served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of  Directors for Breakthrough T1D International and was formally Breakthrough T1D Research Chair. He has been involved in the research funding and oversight activities of Breakthrough T1D since 2005.

From early 2001 until February 2011, Derek was Chief Executive Officer of Divergence, Inc., a science-based company finding solutions in the       prevention and control of pest infections. He led the successful sale of the company in February 2011. As CEO of Divergence, Derek’s main            responsibilities included developing and implementing the company’s strategy, ensuring suitable financing of the company, implementing     relationships with licensees and collaborators, and overseeing operations.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University with       concentrations in Economics and German and a Master in Business      Administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Derek is married to Emily Rapp, and they have three children (Helen – 23, Turner – 21, who was diagnosed with T1D in 2004, and William – 18).