Swim Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer research and patient programs through funds raised with charity swims, is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its board of directors: Harry Wilcox, a life sciences entrepreneur, and Tim Buttigieg, a hospitality and real estate executive. Their extensive backgrounds in science, business, finance and community engagement will help advance Swim Across America’s mission and expand its impact.
Wilcox, based in Boston, has spent more than 30 years in executive leadership roles in the biotech, life sciences and financial sectors. His career includes positions with Exact Sciences, Cambridge NeuroScience, Charles River Ventures, BG Medicine, and YourBio Health Inc. Most recently, he served as general partner with Flagship Pioneering, a $14 billion life sciences company creation firm, where he oversaw financial operations and investments in biotechnology, health, and sustainability companies, including Seahorse Bioscience, Indigo Agriculture, and Novomer.
Harry Wilcox
“My college roommate Jim Meehan and my wife, Patricia Hambrick, are both Swim Across America participants who introduced me to the organization,” Wilcox said. “I admire the approach Swim Across America takes in awarding grants that drive innovation in cancer research and detection. At this stage in my life, I’m excited to offer my time, experience, and resources to make a meaningful impact on the mission of helping innovate new treatments for cancer. I am delighted to join the board and work closely with leadership in accomplishing this goal.”
Buttigieg, based in New York City, has an extensive background in hospitality and real estate. His career includes roles with Brookfield Asset Management and previously PwC. Additionally, he chairs Swim Across America’s associate board, a group of emerging leaders dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission. Buttigieg has been involved with Swim Across America for more than a decade, starting as a participant and fundraiser in his teenage years.
Tim Buttigieg
“The impact of Swim Across America’s grants has benefited individuals I personally know,” Buttigieg said. “As my professional career has grown, I’ve wanted to give back more to this community, and leading the associate board has been an honor. I look forward to continuing my contributions as a member of the board of directors.”
Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher welcomed both new board members, highlighting their expertise and dedication to the cause. “Harry has been a committed volunteer and supporter of Swim Across America, and his entrepreneur energy and relationships will help us make a bigger impact,” Butcher said. “Tim’s deep understanding of hospitality and customer experience aligns with our mission of offering best-in-class charity programs. His leadership of the associate board has brought in a new generation, and we are thrilled to have him join the board of directors.”
Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 38 years of making waves, thousands of swimmers and Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities hold charity swims each year, which support innovative cancer research, detection and patient programs.
