SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — As he nears the conclusion of a remarkable 24-year tenure as the president and CEO of Direct Relief, Thomas Tighe remains deeply engaged in the mission of providing free medications to those without means. His enthusiasm was palpable even inside a vast cold storage facility maintained at a brisk 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
At 64, Tighe examined boxes containing Granix, a costly cancer medication valued at $1,500 per dose that is destined for clinics in Central America and Africa. Each package is equipped with sophisticated sensors designed to track its location, light exposure, and temperature, ensuring proper handling.
“Medication and therapies continue to grow more complex,” he pointed out. “If we don’t bridge the gap, only those who can afford these medical advancements will benefit from them.” Direct Relief commits itself to enhancing access to healthcare. Established in 1948, the organization provides complimentary medical resources both domestically and worldwide. Under Tighe’s leadership, it has evolved significantly by integrating technology and partnering with corporations, all while maintaining the principle that a nonprofit focused on health should operate as efficiently as a for-profit entity.
Presently, Direct Relief occupies a sprawling 155,000-square-foot facility that bears resemblance to an Amazon distribution center. It ranks as the fifth largest charity in the country, having distributed a substantial $1.6 billion worth of medicine and supplies in the last year alone.
In a December conversation, Tighe discussed the organization’s growth and its ability to respond to humanitarian crises, including those in Ukraine and challenges posed by climate change. The following is a condensed excerpt from their conversation.
**Q: With a background in law, the Senate, and the Peace Corps, how did you come to Direct Relief?**
**A:** My experience in the Peace Corps highlighted the stark lack of opportunity in certain communities. You witness firsthand how many remarkable individuals are shaped not by their potential but by their circumstances. The mission of Direct Relief resonated with me, similar to my time in the Peace Corps. The challenge was to maintain the organization’s original spirit while adapting to present-day opportunities and innovations.
**Q: You embraced technological advancements in 2000, a time when many were just emerging. Why?**
**A:** We aimed to operate our charitable organization with the efficiency typically associated with commercial enterprises. Upon visiting our distribution center, one would be hard-pressed to recognize it as a nonprofit operation; that was intentional. By integrating commercial best practices, we strive to enhance our philanthropy.
**Q: Corporate connections seem crucial to Direct Relief’s achievements.**
**A:** Progress is not possible without tapping into the talent and resources of the private sector. The simplistic notion that nonprofits are heroes and corporations are villains has never been a belief of mine. There’s a wealth of potential collaboration. Following the 2004 Asian tsunami, we witnessed a surge in support from the public far beyond what we had previously encountered. Companies like FedEx and SAP have been vital contributors, helping us manage distribution more effectively than simple monetary donations could offer.
**Q: In addition to donating medicines, Direct Relief also supports renewable energy solutions for health clinics. How did that come about?**
**A:** We prioritize ensuring reliable power sources for vulnerable populations. After Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, it became clear that restoring power was essential for reviving healthcare services. Our historical focus had not included energy provisions, but given how interlinked healthcare is to power, we realized it was necessary for us to step in and address this urgency.
**Q: You recently returned from your final trip to Ukraine as CEO. What were your impressions?**
**A:** My frequent visits to Ukraine have reinforced the country’s resilience. The courage of its people amid adversity is inspiring yet heartbreaking considering the heavy toll from warfare. I was there to reassure them that Direct Relief remains committed. Since the start of the conflict nearly three years ago, contributions have exceeded $100 million, with corporate donations adding roughly $1.5 billion in products. This response has been the most significant initiative in Direct Relief’s history.
**Q: Looking back over your time here, what accomplishments stand out to you?**
**A:** It’s been incredibly fulfilling to witness how a relatively small team can effectively tackle complex issues on par with larger organizations, all while operating from our headquarters in Goleta. The overwhelming motivation and goodwill of those I meet—everyone eager to help—provide a refreshing perspective on humanity’s capacity for generosity and empathy. This has fostered a uniquely optimistic view of our future potential as a species.
