Our History
CIOs Against Cancer began in 2020 with a simple but powerful idea: bring the technology community together to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.
The organization was founded by Jeff Mader, former CIO of Sun Country Airlines, and Craig Beason, Owner and CEO of Renodis. For both founders, the mission was deeply personal. What started as a commitment to support cancer research has grown into a thriving community of technology leaders who believe they can do more when they come together.
Jeff’s courage, leadership, and determination have been central to the spirit of CIOs Against Cancer from the beginning. His personal fight against cancer continues to inspire the organization and reinforces the urgency behind its mission: fund research that can lead to better treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately a cure.
Alongside Jeff, Craig Beason has played a critical role in building and expanding CIOs Against Cancer. Through Craig’s leadership and the support of Renodis, the organization has developed strong roots within the technology community and created opportunities for CIOs, technology executives, business leaders, and partners to come together around a shared purpose.
From One Event to a Growing Movement
CIOs Against Cancer started with a single event. Today, the organization has grown to nine annual events across Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, bringing together technology leaders and supporters who are passionate about making an impact.
The growth has been driven by an increasingly engaged community—and by a fundraising model that puts members directly in the driver’s seat.
Since 2020, CIOs Against Cancer has raised more than $3.5 million for cancer research and has funded nine American Cancer Society cancer research projects. In 2025 alone, the organization raised more than $1 million, demonstrating the tremendous momentum behind the mission.
Putting the Money Where It Matters Most
One of the things that makes CIOs Against Cancer unique is the organization’s commitment to maximizing the impact of every dollar raised.
More than 90% of dollars raised goes directly toward cancer research, helping support early-stage research projects through the American Cancer Society. Even more importantly, CIOs Against Cancer members have a direct voice in determining which research projects receive funding.
That level of member involvement is rare. Rather than simply donating to a broad cause, the CIO community has an opportunity to see where its collective fundraising can make a difference—and to help decide which promising cancer research projects it supports.
This connection between raising the money, choosing the research, and seeing the impact is one of the most meaningful aspects of CIOs Against Cancer. It gives members a direct and personal stake in advancing cancer research.
Looking Ahead
What began in 2020 has become a growing movement within the technology community. CIOs Against Cancer continues to build new relationships, expand its events, and bring more technology leaders into the fight against cancer.
Today, the organization has a presence across Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with plans to grow into additional markets, including Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas.
As we continue to rally around Jeff Mader and support him in his ongoing fight against cancer, his example remains a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
CIOs Against Cancer is more than a fundraising organization. It is a community united by a shared purpose: bringing the technology community together to fund cancer research and take the fight to cancer.
