Foundation Fighting Blindness names Jason Menzo president, COO

The Foundation Fighting Blindness today announced it has named Jason Menzo the foundation’s president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.

According to a news release, since joining the foundation in 2018, Menzo has had an impact on redefining the non-profit's operations, including fiscal, fundraising, communications, and managerial operations. He is recognized by colleagues and constituents for his passionate leadership style and ability to create innovative partnerships.

Jason Menzo

In addition, the foundation noted that he was involved in the formation of the RD Fund (Retinal Degeneration Fund), the venture arm of Foundation Fighting Blindness, which was created to further serve its mission. Menzo also is one of the founders of Opus Genetics, the first spin-off company internally conceived and launched by the RD Fund to further the Foundation's mission.

"We are excited to have Jason as president, along with continuing his current operational responsibilities," David Brint, chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness board of directors, said in a statement. "He has shown tremendous dedication to the mission and causes of the organization during his tenure."

Foundation CEO Benjamin Yerxa, PhD, noted that Menzo’s impact on the foundation has been undeniable.

“His ability to engage and influence the culture of internal staff alongside our constituents, while also guiding operational and fundraising efforts, has benefitted the foundation and our mission immensely,” Menzo said in a statement.

According to the release, before he joined the foundation, Menzo was a healthcare executive, having led the successful development and launch of several notable ophthalmic companies and brands.

"I am proud of the advances we have made to date and remain focused on new ways we can accelerate future milestones," Menzo said in a statement. "I am excited to focus on the future in an effort to continually expand the foundation's advancement, faster and further than ever before. Our constituents are at the heart of everything we do, and it is an honor to continue my service to them through the efforts of the foundation."

Established in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is a private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research. According to the release, it. has raised more than $816 million toward its mission of accelerating research for preventing, treating, and curing blindness caused by the entire spectrum of blinding retinal diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome.

The RD Fund (Retinal Degeneration Fund) is the venture arm of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and a leading investor in the inherited retinal disease space.