Cancer research accelerator CEO honored for visionary leadership connecting scientists and advocates to fund bold, life-extending research

Curebound CEO Robin Toft was selected as 2026 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by San Diego Business Journal. The recognition – honoring executives advancing missions, strengthening organizations and improving lives throughout San Diego County – was bestowed as a co-honor with Ben Moraga, President and CEO, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation.

As CEO, Toft leads Curebound, which has awarded $50.5 million in research grants supporting 170 studies across 23 cancer types. She has scaled numerous companies and nonprofits, accelerating lifesaving technologies and connecting scientists, advocates, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to advance bold science. She also has personal experience with cancer as a 20-year colon cancer survivor and points to San Diego as the city that could cure cancer given its rise as a research hub.

Before Curebound, Toft founded Toft Group Executive Search, placing 500+ life science executives and championing women and minority recruitment to counter unconscious hiring bias.

A philanthropist and impact investor, Toft is a limited partner at How Women Lead and serves on American Cancer Society’s San Diego and La Jolla Institute for Immunology boards.

“With one in two people expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, cancer will likely impact us all. As federal funding declines, it’s time to build on advances already made and keep up the momentum in cancer research,” Toft said. “I’m honored the San Diego Business Journal recognized work so close to my heart and I commend the incredible work Ben Moraga does for the San Diego community daily.”

“The San Diego Business Journal is proud to honor Robin and Ben as 2026 Nonprofit Executives of the Year. Both stand out for visionary leadership and dedication to transforming lives across San Diego,” said Publisher Kevin Leap.

See The San Diego Business Journal or visit www.curebound.org.

About Curebound

Curebound, a community-powered cancer research accelerator, breaks down barriers, invests in high-impact cancer studies and forges powerful collaborations among top scientists, advocates, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to advance bold science toward better detection and treatments for cancer. Headquartered in San Diego, a global hub for life sciences and cancer research, Curebound is building a worldwide footprint, driven by one goal: cures in our lifetime. www.curebound.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261013154561/en/

“With one in two people expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, cancer will likely impact us all. As federal funding declines, it’s time to build on advances already made and keep up the momentum,” said Curebound CEO Robin Toft.