The Lupus Research Alliance deeply mourns the loss of William “Bill” J. Mulvihill, a dedicated member of the organization’s Board of Directors for more than 25 years. 

Bill joined the Alliance for Lupus Research in 1999 as an inaugural member of the board. He was a key driver transforming the organization from a previous affiliate of the Arthritis Foundation to an independent nonprofit dedicated to prevent, treat, and cure lupus.  

Years later, he helped guide the merger of the Lupus Research Institute and the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation to form what is now the Lupus Research Alliance – the world’s largest private funder of lupus research. In the founding of the organization, he was a strong advocate that the word “alliance” remain, committed to uniting industry, researchers, clinicians, and the broader community to improve the lives of those living with lupus.  

“As the longtime Chair of the Lupus Research Alliance investment committee, Bill was a careful and caring steward of its endowment,” said Ira Akselrad, Board Chair of the Lupus Research Alliance. “He successfully grew the balance sheet, enabling the Lupus Research Alliance to make ever larger grants to talented and deserving grantees. We will miss him deeply.”  

Bill generously shared with the Board his wealth of expertise in fundraising, entrepreneurship, investment, and organizational management with 50 years of leadership roles at the University of Cincinnati, Arthritis Foundation, National Institute of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council, American Juvenile Arthritis Organization, among others.  His extensive knowledge of lupus, developed through his work with these organizations, was invaluable in understanding the potential of proposed research projects and the promising impact on meeting patients’ needs. 

“Bill was steadfast in his commitment to the Lupus Research Alliance and his belief that the organization could deliver on its promise – a world free of lupus,” said Albert T. Roy, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. “For more than two decades, he was a consistent voice for collaboration, expanding the reach and impact of the organization – and we will continue to further his legacy.” 

Bill is most remembered for his warmth, kindness, and inimitable sense of humor. The Board and staff of the Lupus Research Alliance extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Beth, son William “Billy” Mulvihill Jr., and daughter-in-law, Sarah Mulvihill.