R&D Impact Foundation Directors
Thomas G. Roberts, MD
Tom Roberts is Vice Chair of Farallon Capital Management. He oversees the arbitrage and healthcare investment teams and the firm's data science effort. Prior to joining Farallon, Tom was an attending oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, an Instructor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, and a Visiting Scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He maintains an active medical license. Tom obtained two baccalaureate degrees (summa cum laude) from the University of Pennsylvania, including a Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School of Business (elected Phi Beta Kappa junior year). He obtained his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a Master's in Health Economics from the University of Cape Town (South Africa) while on a Rotary Ambassadorial Fellowship. Tom performed his internal medicine training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and his medical oncology training through the Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care Oncology Fellowship Program. He is the former Chairman of the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and continues to write and speak on issues related to cancer drug development. Tom is married to Susan DaSilva. Together they are raising three daughters in San Francisco.
Dr. Susan M. DaSilva
Susan DaSilva has over 15 years’ experience in the healthcare field as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner specializing in primary care and psychiatric-mental health. Susan has undergraduate degrees in rehabilitation psychology and nursing, a master’s degree in nursing from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston, and a doctoral degree in nursing practice from the University of San Francisco (USF). Susan’s advanced clinical training was performed at Harvard- affiliated hospitals. While continuing to practice as a nurse practitioner, Susan became interested in leadership and organizational effectiveness and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree. She is currently enrolled in a PhD program, with research interests in community mental health and evidence-based interventions to promote well-being. Susan serves as trustee of University of San Francisco and Drew School and volunteers at several youth organizations in the Bay Area. She is a first generation Portuguese American and speaks fluent Portuguese.
Thomas G. Roberts Sr.
A retired death care executive, Thomas G. Roberts Sr. maintains a business and personal tax consulting practice in New Kensington, PA. As past President of Allegheny Cemetery and Crematory and COO of The Homewood Cemetery, Smithfield East End Cemetery and Rapp Funeral Home, Tom spent 36 years in leadership and advocacy positions in the cemetery and crematory sector, following 7 years in public accounting at KPMG Peat Marwick. Tom served as a national representative on both the International Cemetery Cremation Funeral Association (ICCFA) and Pennsylvania Cemetery Cremation Funeral Association (PCCFA) amongst many other industry associations. A civic leader in New Kensington, Tom’s commitment to his community spans social service, religious, youth development and historical preservation organizations. Tom has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Susquehanna University, PA and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1970.
Advisory Board
Dr. Nicole M. Roberts
Nicole Bitar-Roberts is R&D Impact’s Program Director for the New Kensington Science Project. A seasoned educator, working in elementary schools as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal, Nicole is currently a Certified Principal in the New Kensington Arnold School District in Pennsylvania, overseeing two high poverty schools. Nicole has a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. In addition, Nicole is an expert in compassion fatigue in high poverty schools and a certified Trauma Informed Care Trainer and Professional Development Coordinator.
David Jeter
David Jeter is a Principal and serves on the Board of Directors of Allegheny Financial Group, a privately held Investment Advisory firm in Pittsburgh, PA. As a Certified Financial Planner(R), David leads a practice that provides wealth management services to the families of business owners and professionals. David serves as a member of the firm’s Investment, Technology and Marketing Committees. He graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and Administration.
Lexie Woolley
Lexie Woolley is a Director at Farallon Capital Management in San Francisco, CA, where she handles team operations and research support for the Merger, Arbitrage and Healthcare investment teams. Lexie is also Co-Chair of Farallon’s Philanthropy Committee, and oversees the firm’s grants to local non-profit organizations. Lexie graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and is a member of their Alumni Recruitment Committee. She is former Chair of the Young Professional Advisory Council for Family House, a Bay Area non-profit organization.