Los Angeles, CA, November 12, 2019 - Representatives from Brentwood Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI) and Sepulveda Research Corporation (SRC) announced this week that the two nonprofit corporations of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) merged on October 31, 2019 resulting in the Greater Los Angeles Research and Education Foundation (GLAVREF).
BBRI and SRC are currently leading forces for VAGLAHS in providing the medical facility with flexible funding mechanisms for the conduct and functions related to approved research, education, and training at the West Los Angeles and North Hills campuses of the VA. According to GLAVREF Board Chairman Dr. David Beenhouwer, “The merger will unite BBRI and SRC into a single non-profit corporation, GLAVREF, serving the research and educational needs of
VA Greater Los Angeles. Moving forward, this will streamline processes, increase efficiency and strengthen our ability both to provide the best services for the GLA research community and to help compete successfully for diverse funding opportunities.”
Established in 1988, BBRI has managed funds totaling $217,137,381 to advance the mission of research and education for the health of Veterans at VAGLAHS. “The merger of BBRI and SRC joining together as GLAVREF is an exciting time in Veterans research. We are striving to become one organization that provides efficient and effective services to the research community and all stakeholders of the VAGLAHS,” noted Thoyd Ellis, Acting Executive Director/CFO at BBRI.
Established in 1989, SRC has managed funds totaling $66,549,877 to advance the mission of research and education for the health of Veterans at North Hills VA; the system merged with VAGLAHS in 1998. Of the merger, SRC Executive Director Bonita L. Krall states “A merger has been on my radar for many years and it is exciting that GLAVREF is finally happening. It is in the best interest of our research and education community to have a single entity support their endeavors to improve the lives and well-being of our Veteran population. We look forward to continuing our proficient support to all investigators and clinicians here at GLA.”
The new organization led by Executive Director Jane Cheung will focus on increased services, efficiency, and revenue growth. GLAVREF will officially conduct business at both the West LA and North Hills campuses starting October 31, 2019.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Jane Cheung, Executive Director: (818) 895-5881
