A lung cancer survivor, Dave Bjork has made it his life mission to connect patients, biopharma companies, academic institutions, and other key influencers to forge strong partnerships to focus on research. Dave has more than 25 years of progressive experience in community-building, nonprofit fundraising, and patient engagement and empowerment leadership.

Dave earned his BS in Economics and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently Vice President of Empowerment for GRYT Health, working with a team that provides patient-centric solutions to their pharmaceutical and healthcare clients’ most challenging problems. Dave is also creator and host of the Research Evangelist Podcast where he interviews pioneers in life sciences doing meaningful work.

In addition, Dave is an advisor to Medidata Solutions where he serves on the Patient Insights Board team, bringing the patient voice to the clinical trial experience. Previously he spent eight years leading nonprofit fundraising and advocacy teams, including 4 years as Vice President of Development for National Foundation for Cancer Research where he was responsible for all fundraising and advocacy efforts. He proudly serves on the Advisory Board of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Board Member of The White Ribbon Project. 

Dave resides in Georgetown with his wife Missi and they enjoy traveling together and spending time with their 3 boys, Chris, Mike and Patrick.