COLUMBUS, OH (June 30, 2021) – Pelotonia has announced a five-year strategic plan designed to drive growth in fundraising, cancer research and community engagement. To achieve these goals, Pelotonia has re-organized and expanded the executive leadership team. Doug Ulman continues with Pelotonia as chief executive officer and formally joins the Board of Directors; Joe Apgar, currently chief operating officer, has been promoted to president; Nick Denby continues as chief financial officer; and Alida Smith will join as the organization’s first chief marketing officer.

The strategic plan is the culmination of more than a year of work that sets several new goals for the organization, most notably to raise more than $50 million annually for cancer research by 2026. To reach this milestone, Pelotonia will continue the evolution and growth of the Columbus Ride Weekend; optimize existing and new brand partnerships; explore new initiatives that drive fundraising and impact; and continue to invest in talent and tools to support the mission – all while championing the inspiring and powerful stories of the Pelotonia community.

Bringing greater attention to cancer research is vital to advance scientific progress for the 20 million new cancer cases diagnosed worldwide last year as reported by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.

“The expansion of Pelotonia’s executive leadership team continues to position Pelotonia for aggressive growth in fundraising and brand partnerships that extend globally,” said Daniel Rosenthal, chair of the Pelotonia Board of Directors and chief financial officer of Root Insurance Company. “The leadership and vision Doug Ulman creates are unmatched, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Board of Directors. We are also thrilled to promote Joe Apgar and welcome Alida Smith to the outstanding team already established at Pelotonia.”

The momentum created by the new strategic plan is already being realized with the recent announcement of The Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers collaboration. The initiative, part of a longstanding partnership between Victoria’s Secret and Pelotonia, will fund innovative research projects around the globe aimed at progressing prevention, detection and treatment methods for women’s cancers and invest in the next generation of female scientists. The effort will be funded by a $5 million annual investment by Victoria’s Secret.

“It’s through our strategic plan and the expansion of our leadership team that Pelotonia will continue to engage a community committed to changing the world by accelerating cancer research,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia. “The Pelotonia community, staff and partners continue to work tirelessly to advance our mission, and we have much to celebrate this year with the return of in-person events. At the same time, our collective efforts have only just begun in creating a lasting global impact.”

By pioneering large-scale opportunities such as The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) while also providing a platform for researchers of all ages and professional statures to collaborate and prove value in new ideas, dollars raised by the Pelotonia community create significant impact. Over the last twelve years, Pelotonia dollars have supported a variety of critical areas in cancer research, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and accelerated drug development that are changing the landscape of cancer care - offering better treatment options and hope to patients and their families around the world.

With the support of the wider Pelotonia community and corporate partners, Pelotonia is able to donate 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), including the PIIO.

“As a Pelotonia Board Member and a cancer survivor, I may have a unique perspective on the importance of Pelotonia’s growth and impact,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and a surgical oncologist with The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “My survivorship has depended upon innovative cancer research efforts, so on a personal level, I am thrilled for this next phase in Pelotonia’s evolution that will skyrocket growth for cancer innovation happening at the OSUCCC – James and globally.”

Pelotonia also announced earlier this month the return of the Ride Weekend Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 6 at Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew. The event will kick-off two days of rides starting in Columbus on August 7 and 8.

To learn more about Pelotonia or register for the 2021 Ride, please visit pelotonia.org. To read more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org/impact.

Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund innovative cancer research. As a centerpiece of its year-round fundraising efforts, Pelotonia hosts a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Since its founding, Pelotonia has raised over $220 million for cancer research. Thanks to its generous funding partners – American Electric Power Foundation, Huntington Bank, L Brands Foundation, Peggy and Richard Santulli, Harold C. Schott Foundation, Safelite AutoGlass, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill Capital Management and Nationwide – Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every dollar raised by its participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. For more information, visit pelotonia.org or tune in to our podcast ONE GOAL.