Castle Biosciences, Inc’s President and CEO Derek Maetzold Joins IMPACT Melanoma Board of Directors
We are so proud to announce the latest addition to IMPACT Melanoma’s board of directors. Please join us in welcoming Derek Maetzold, President and CEO of Castle Biosciences, Inc, headquartered in Friendswood, Texas. Read our recent interview with Derek to learn more about how and why he decided to get involved with our non-profit organization and how his work with Castle Biosciences runs parallel with what we’re up to here at IMPACT.
What excites you about joining IMPACT Melanoma’s board of directors?
At our core, Castle is focused on using precision-based genomic tests to transform the management of dermatologic cancers and other dermatologic diseases and improve the lives of patients. We founded Castle Biosciences on the belief that the traditional approach to developing a treatment plan for certain cancers, using clinical and pathology factors alone, could be improved by incorporating personalized genomic information. And IMPACT Melanoma is doing great work in the education, prevention, and support of people affected by this dangerous form of skin cancer. I am excited for the opportunity to support IMPACT Melanoma and patients suffering from the disease through my work on the board, as we work to raise awareness and help prevent melanoma through education and IMPACT Melanoma’s other initiatives.
How’d you learn about IMPACT? What led you to get involved?
As the CEO of a company in the dermatologic cancer space, I’ve known about IMPACT Melanoma for quite some time, and as an organization, Castle has collaborated with IMPACT Melanoma on various initiatives. At the end of the day, I wanted to get involved on a more personal level in an organization whose mission I believe in whole-heartedly and one where I felt I could contribute something meaningful based on my experience. Making a difference in the lives of people impacted by skin cancer is important to me and everyone at Castle and being a member of the board will allow me to give back and help others in a different capacity.
What do you bring to the table as it relates to the organization’s mission and national growth?
With over 24 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and commercialization, and now, being 14 years since I first founded Castle, I have a wealth of experience in the development and execution of business strategy, fundraising, and financial oversight. I am looking forward to sharing this experience with IMPACT Melanoma to help expand its influence and reach.
What would you like to see stem from this growth?
I think ultimately, growth in an organization like IMPACT Melanoma results in expanded influence and reach. More people understand what is really involved in protecting their skin and eyes from the sun. More people are doing period self-checks on their skin and seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. More people who have cancer or loved ones with cancer are making use of IMPACT’s free support groups and resources. IMPACT is able to have more events, fundraisers, public awareness campaigns, etc. across the U.S., reaching more people than ever before. IMPACT Melanoma has a strong mission, and I am honored to have this opportunity to help further it.
In your personal opinion, what’s the importance of an organization like IMPACT Melanoma existing?
As melanoma rates continue to rise, organizations like IMPACT Melanoma are critical in the ongoing education and awareness around the importance of sun safety. When you’re young, forgoing sunscreen or using tanning oil seems like a good idea. But when you compound years of sun damage to your skin, and even your eyes if they aren’t protected with appropriate sunglasses, you not only age quicker, but you significantly increase your risk of melanoma. I’m inclined to think that if more people were aware of the inherent risks associated with sun exposure, that they’d be more likely to take the appropriate safety precautions.
What is your own philosophic battle cry with regard to sun safety? Do you have any personal stories to share?
Something that I think is quite clever, and I’m not sure where or when I first learned about it, is the 5 Ss of Sun Safety. I guess I would consider this my personal battle cry. I have four adult children and three grandchildren with one more on the way, and this is something that we refer to often. “Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Shade.” It’s catchy and has stayed with me. It’s simple enough for kids to remember, and good sun practices begin early. Slip on protective clothes, like a t-shirt, Slop on your sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on sunglasses with good UV protection, and find Shade during peek hours or whenever possible, really. These are all great go-bys in terms of protecting yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of the sun.
