The Founders
Drs. Darlene and James McCord generously support the work of talented scientists at prestigious institutions such as The University of Iowa and Michigan State University. The McCords' giving enables leading edge research to be conducted in the fields of free radical biology and epigenetics. The Iowa City residents also continue to fund intensive studies that seek to find a cure for the Buruli ulcer.
The McCords are committed to finding the cause of, and cure for, the Buruli ulcer.
The Board
DARLENE E McCORD, PH.D., FAPWCA
Dr. McCord is senior researcher at McCord Research and Pinnaclife, Inc. Her field of specialty is epigenetics, focusing on the transport of small molecules across cell membranes for treatment of aging and associated diseases.
Dr. McCord is specifically known for her work as a biochemist in skin and wound care. She has been issued two patents and six medical devices in the field. She currently has more than 30 skin health products being sold around the world. Dr. McCord's most current commercialized skin and wound care product offering is the best selling hospital-based product line in the United States and is sold under the Remedy brand distributed by Medline Industries.
The products are based on a proprietary blend of small molecules called Olivamine® that provides support for diseased skin and aging cells. Olivamine® has two patents pending. Dr. McCord's work has led to global recognition in the field of skin and wound repair and anti-aging medicine. Her mission remains improving the quality of life for people in every country of the world.
Dr. McCord's Pinnaclife Supplements feature her proprietary Olivamine® technology. The supplements are highly effective vitamins and minerals that can reverse the damage of aging and free radicals, and help revitalize dying cells.
Over the past four years, Dr. McCord has become an advocate for Buruli Ulcer treatment and research. She and her husband James continue to work hard to raise awareness for the cause, taking their efforts to the highest levels of government. The couple has met with senators, congressmen and heads of state in Washington, D.C., and has been honored for their philanthropy and research in Africa.
JAMES B. McCORD, Ph.D., FAPWCA - Founder
Dr. McCord is a graduate of the University of Iowa where he received all three of his degrees, including his Ph.D. in college administration. He served as a college administrator for more than 20 years and through his efforts many important links between college administration and faculty were reached.
His connection with the University of Iowa and its research programs was instrumental in leading him and his wife Darlene back to Iowa City. Through these Iowa roots, Dr. McCord has helped establish collaborative research opportunities with the University of Iowa. Multiple researchers are now in place and the program is on the path to exciting new opportunities.
Through his industry contacts Dr. McCord developed relationships with 3M, Hollister, Acme united, DeRoyal and Medline Industries. His skills in administration and business development bring a unique blend of academic administration and business acumen. Through his efforts, major contracts and licensing agreements have been established with some of the largest medical companies in the world.
Dr. McCord brings more than 30 years of management experience to the board and will provide great insight as the Foundation continues to establish funding and research opportunities with the University of Iowa and other major universities around the world.
JEFFREY L. SEGAR, MD
Dr. Segar is a Professor of Pediatrics at The University of Iowa Children's Hospital and the Carver College of Medicine. He also serves at the Director of the Division of Neonatology, a position he has held since January 2006. Dr. Segar received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed training in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine at The University of Iowa.
He has been on the faculty at The University of Iowa since 1992. Dr. Segar has an active research program related to cardiovascular function and health in the fetus and newborn. In collaboration with a number of other scientists at The University of Iowa and elsewhere, he is also examining the long-term health effects of developing in a sub-optimal in utero environment, as occurs with a number of maternal conditions, including pre-eclampsia, diabetes and obesity. In recognition of his work, he was recently elected President of the Perinatal Research Society, an international society established to foster scientific interchange among people whose research interests are in the area of perinatal medicine and developmental biology.
Dr. Segar's commitment to The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine is attested to by his involvement in multiple committees, including serving as vice-chairman of the College of Medicine Executive Committee. Dr. Segar has a long-standing interest in children's health. In addition to his work at The University of Iowa, he has participated in a number of international health programs, including those in Romania, Lithuania and Ukraine.