Cloobeck to succeed Murren as chair of Nevada Cancer Institute board

The Nevada Cancer Institute's Board of Directors has elected Stephen J. Cloobeck to replace Heather Murren as chairman of the board effective July 1, a media release said Wednesday.

Murren, a co-founder of the institute, will continue to serve as a board member.

Cloobeck is the chairman and CEO of Diamond Resorts International and has been a member of the institute's board since 2003.

He is a founder of the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness and has worked with charities, including Boy Scouts of America, Alzheimer's Association and Autism Speaks.

"I've been involved in the cancer institution with the Murrens since the inception," Cloobeck said. "I'm honored, and looking forward to growing the state-sponsored institute. Onward and upward."

Murren founded the institute with her brother-in-law, the late John Murren, eight years ago. She has been the only chair since its inception.

"I feel very good about where we've come over the last eight years, and I'm equally optimistic we'll accomplish as much in the next eight," she said.

The Nevada Cancer Institute is a nonprofit organization created to support the research, prevention and treatment of the disease.