BrightFocus Foundation Taps Brian Elderton as New Vice President for Development

Clarksburg, MD—BrightFocus Foundation, a nonprofit supporting research worldwide on diseases of mind and sight, today announced R. Brian Elderton as Vice President, Development.

Elderton will oversee the organization’s growing development program, raising funds to help drive innovative research and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma. He brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience with higher education and health care institutions.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join BrightFocus,” said Elderton. “I look forward to building upon the team’s proven successes in advancing world-class research and helping families affected by these devastating diseases,” said Elderton.

Elderton comes to BrightFocus after serving 16 years as Vice President for University Advancement at La Salle University, where he developed major gift and alumni fundraising campaigns that garnered more than $150 million for the university. Prior positions have also included Vice President of Development for Mercy Health System and Assistant Director of the Annual Fund at Georgetown University. Read more about Elderton here.

“Brian Elderton has an outstanding record of helping health care and educational institutions more fully realize their missions,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Haller. “We are thrilled to have him join the leadership of BrightFocus.”

BrightFocus recently announced an $11 million investment in new research, the largest in its history.  It is currently managing a portfolio of 150 promising scientific projects worldwide. Earlier this year BrightFocus launched a new PSA campaign, “Make a Plan Today; Get Your Eyes Checked,” to address the growing rates of vision diseases.