Alexandra (Zanna) Nikitas currently serves as the Board Chair of the Cancer Research Foundation, an organization that raises funds to support early and cutting edge cancer research. Prior to taking the Board Chair role, Zanna spent 13 years as Executive Director of the Cancer Research Foundation, growing the organization and its role in the scientific community.  Before joining CRF, Zanna spent seven years developing and investing in commercial real estate as a part of The John Buck Company (JBC), based in Chicago.  As a Vice President of JBC, Ms. Nikitas was integrally involved in the development, valuation, acquisition and disposition of office, residential, retail and hospitality properties, including having direct involvement in the sourcing of over $800 million dollars of real estate financing.

Ms. Nikitas has an early background in politics and government and maintains a role in a number of Chicago institutions. Zanna has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a concentration in strategy and finance, and a BA from Williams College in Philosophy and English.