Alan S. Schwartz Elected Chair, Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors

DETROIT, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Alan S. Schwartz, partner and vice chairman of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. He replaces Randolph J. Agley, chairman of Board of Directors for Talon LLC, who will continue to serve as vice chair.

(http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSCANCERINSTITUTELOGO)

Schwartz has been a long-time board member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. He has been recognized as a top lawyer in the area of Corporate Law/M&A by Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2003 - 2007. Schwartz has been with Honigman for 40 years, serving as CEO for the last five years. His areas of emphasis include Corporate, Private Equity, and Family Business and Succession Planning.

Schwartz, whose three-year term begins May 1, is passionate about his involvement with the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

"We are fortunate to have a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center right here in our community," expressed Schwartz. "Karmanos' groundbreaking research, Phase 1 clinical trials, exceptional cancer care and commitment to early detection education are critical elements in the fight against cancer. My own family members were treated at Karmanos, so I've experienced first-hand Karmanos' commitment to saving lives and eradicating cancer."

"Alan's exceptional leadership, and thorough assessment and decision-making skills will continue to guide us as one of the leading cancer institutes in the country," said John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Schwartz graduated with honors from Harvard University Law School in 1968 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1965, with High Distinction. In addition to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, he is active in several other community organizations.

Agley co-founded Talon LLC in 1973 and has spent the last 30 plus years building a successful business. He generously shares his talent and philanthropy with many organizations. He served on the board of directors, including chair in 1996, of the Michigan Cancer Foundation -- the predecessor of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. As chair of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, his strategic leadership ability was instrumental in many successes including: Recruited executive leadership; secured funding for the Hudson-Webber Research Center, a capital drive and other major fundraising activities; and helped the Karmanos Cancer Institute become an independent cancer center.

Ruckdeschel added, "Randy Agley's commitment to Karmanos, our patients and this community is exceptional. We are very grateful for his talent, years of leadership and continued service."

Community leader W. James Prowse was also elected as a vice chair of the Karmanos Cancer Institute's Board of Directors, joining Agley, Richard M. Gabrys and Charles E. Becker.

Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 39 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org .

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute