From a T1D mother to an Army physician, a Merck veteran, and a biotech scientist, KFD’s leadership team exemplifies how diverse experience fuels shared purpose.
Blue Bell, PA – The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes (KFD) marked a defining moment on October 8, 2025, as more than 150 guests gathered in person and online for its first Hybrid Fundraising Gala and National Leadership Forum. The event not only celebrated the Foundation’s rapid growth but also highlighted the extraordinary Board of Directors whose collective expertise anchors KFD’s mission to empower youth in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) advocacy, education, and innovation.
For 18-year-old Founder Max Kopp, the Board represents more than governance — it’s the heart of a mentorship model that bridges generations and professions. “Our board is what makes KFD possible,” Kopp said. “They show our youth leaders that leadership isn’t just about position — it’s about service, empathy, and vision.”
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KFD Board Directors (L–R): Elena Mack, Kevin Matasich, Dr. Alexander Stojadinovic, Dr. Maria Kondratyev, and Dr. Conan Tu — leaders who bring science, service, and strategy together to drive Type 1 Diabetes innovation and education.
A Board Defined by Purpose and Perspective
The KFD Board of Directors brings together professionals from medicine, biotechnology, business, and community advocacy. Though their paths differ, they share a commitment to advancing health equity and nurturing young innovators.
Elena Mack, a Type 1 Diabetes mother and community advocate, speaks from experience about the daily realities of managing the disease. Her insight grounds KFD’s approach in family education and empathy. “No parent should ever feel alone on this journey,” Mack said. “Through KFD, we’re helping youth understand not only the science of diabetes but the humanity behind it.”
Kevin Matasich, a retired Merck executive with more than 30 years in life-sciences commercialization, strategy, and operations, contributes a wealth of experience in navigating the bridge between research and real-world application. “Great science doesn’t reach people unless we think strategically,” Matasich said. “KFD’s model — uniting youth, medical professionals, and communities — ensures that good ideas can become real solutions.”
Dr. Alexander Stojadinovic, a U.S. Army physician and West Point graduate, brings leadership forged in service. Known for his work in trauma surgery and medical research, he brings discipline, structure, and a deep sense of mission to the Foundation. “What Max and his peers are building is remarkable,” said Stojadinovic. “It reflects the same teamwork and dedication that define great institutions — only this one is led by youth.”
Dr. Maria Kondratyev, a cell-therapy and regenerative-medicine scientist, offers a visionary perspective on the future of healthcare. Her research background reinforces KFD’s emphasis on innovation and mentorship. “Science is changing rapidly,” Kondratyev said. “We want young people to see themselves not just as future scientists, but as active participants in the research ecosystem today.”
Dr. Conan Tu, Diabetologist, MBA, and Chairman of the Membership Committee at the American College of Diabetology, embodies both medical expertise and humanitarian spirit. His keynote address, “Leadership and Success Augmented Through Adversity and Ingenuity,” captivated the hybrid audience, tracing the century-long journey of insulin innovation and celebrating the human perseverance behind every medical breakthrough.
“From Banting and Best’s discovery to today’s precision-medicine advances, the story of insulin reminds us that progress is built on courage,” Dr. Tu said. “That courage lives on in this next generation — in Max, and in every student who’s part of KFD.”
A Collective Commitment to Mentorship and Innovation
KFD’s Board is not a passive governing body; it’s a dynamic mentorship network. Each director collaborates directly with students, advising on program design, research opportunities, and public-health engagement. This intergenerational exchange is what distinguishes KFD from traditional nonprofits.
“Our directors don’t just meet quarterly — they work side-by-side with youth leaders,” said Rachel Horvath, Director of Operations and Strategy. “They’ve built an environment where students can learn how science, leadership, and compassion intersect.”
Under their guidance, KFD’s initiatives have expanded into a cohesive national framework:
- The Youth Ambassador Program trains young leaders to advocate for T1D awareness in their schools and communities.
- The Innovation Hub connects students with researchers developing cutting-edge biosensing and machine-learning tools for noninvasive monitoring.
- The Access to Care Initiative partners with healthcare providers to make educational resources and screenings more widely available to underserved populations.
These programs — shaped by the Board’s expertise and Max’s vision — demonstrate how strategy and mentorship can multiply impact.
A Night of Inspiration and Unity
During the Oct. 8 gala, the Board’s leadership was visible in every moment. Dr. Tu’s address drew applause and reflection; Elena Mack’s message about family courage resonated with parents in the audience; and Kevin Matasich spoke about the importance of partnerships that connect technology with compassion. The atmosphere was charged with optimism — proof that KFD’s collaborative model is resonating far beyond its founding circle.
“This board reflects everything we want the Foundation to stand for,” said Max Kopp. “Science. Service. Strategy. But above all — humanity.”
What’s Next for KFD
As KFD prepares for the World Diabetes Day Virtual Run/Walk on November 14, 2025, the Board is turning its attention to long-term impact: expanding college chapters, securing research partnerships, and strengthening access-to-care programs. Their collective experience continues to guide KFD’s transition from a promising youth initiative into a sustainable national organization.
“The Foundation’s greatest strength is its people,” said Horvath. “Our board’s wisdom and our youth’s energy — together, that’s how change begins.”
From military precision to scientific innovation, from corporate strategy to community empathy, the KFD Board of Directors exemplifies what’s possible when diverse minds share one purpose: to empower youth and advance the fight against Type 1 Diabetes.
About the Kopp Foundation for Diabetes
The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes (KFD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering young leaders to transform Type 1 Diabetes awareness, education, and innovation. Through its Youth Ambassador Program, campus chapters, and community partnerships, KFD bridges science, technology, and social impact to improve lives worldwide.