TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 8, 2025 ⎯ Critical Path Institute® (C-Path) today announced the election of Ronald J. Bartek to its Board of Directors. Bartek’s experience spans leadership in rare disease advocacy and public service. The appointment comes as C-Path continues to expand its leadership role in accelerating global drug development through data-driven, scientific solutions, based on living-experience-centric evidence.
Ronald J. Bartek is co-founder and president of the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. He has served on the boards of the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, and is co-founder of the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) Alliance and the Pediatric Inclusion Alliance. He has advised multiple government agencies in the capacity of the living experience of people and families with rare and orphan diseases. Earlier in his career, he spent two decades in U.S. federal service, including roles in the U.S. Army, at the CIA, State Department and House Armed Services Committee.
“Mr. Bartek has spent his career driving progress in science, medicine and policy to improve lives,” said Wainwright Fishburn, chairman of the board at C-Path. “He’s an exceptional leader whose insight and experience will strengthen our board and help guide C-Path’s work to make drug development more collaborative, more transparent and more reliable for the people who depend on it.”
“From cutting-edge science to boardrooms and Capitol Hill, Ron brings the kind of perspective that only comes from having worked across such a full spectrum of roles,” said C-Path CEO Klaus Romero, M.D., M.S., FCP. “At a time when collaboration across sectors is no longer optional but essential, his guidance will help ensure we are solving the right problems, not just improving efficiency. Efficiency matters, but only when it serves the right outcomes.”
“I’m honored to join C-Path’s Board of Directors and be part of an organization that I have witnessed first-hand redefine what’s possible when science, collaboration, and compassion come together,” said Bartek. “C-Path’s mission to accelerate the development of life-changing therapies resonates deeply with my own commitment to improving people’s lives, and I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of its groundbreaking work.”
The appointment takes effect immediately.
About Critical Path Institute
Founded in 2005, as a public-private partnership in response to the FDA’s Critical Path Initiative, Critical Path Institute® (C-Path) celebrates its 20th anniversary as a vital, independent, nonprofit. C-Path’s mission is to lead collaborations that advance better treatments for people worldwide. Globally recognized as a pioneer in accelerating drug development, C-Path has established numerous international consortia, programs and initiatives that currently include more than 1,600 scientists and representatives from government and regulatory agencies, academia, patient organizations, disease foundations and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. With dedicated team members located throughout the world, C-Path’s global headquarters is located in Tucson, Arizona and C-Path’s Europe subsidiary is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. For more information, visit c-path.org.
Media Contacts:
Roxan Triolo Olivas
C-Path
520.954.1634
rolivas@c-path.org
Kissy Black
C-Path
615.310.1894
kblack@c-path.org
