David Perry
David Perry has been actively involved in the insurance business for 40 years and is currently the Area Executive Vice President for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
David also has a long history of community engagement and service. He currently serves on the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation Board of Directors, and is the past president and treasurer for Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. He had previously served as the finance committee chair for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana, and is a past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Baton Rouge (IIABR).
His engagement in enhancing cancer care in our community began almost 20 years ago when he and his wife got involved with Cancer Services children’s camps. The youth camps focus on creating enriching experiences for kids impacted with a cancer diagnosis and their siblings to enjoy activities such as horseback riding, bowling, arts & crafts, games, parks, and swamp tours. He witnessed firsthand how essential support services are, not only for those fighting cancer, but for their families as well.
As the president of the board of Cancer Services, he oversaw the merger of the organization with Mary Bird Perkins to ensure the mission of providing support services to the community continued with the power of the Cancer Center behind it.
In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his family and spent many years coaching high school soccer. In this role, he was aware of leveling the playing field and ensuring every child on the team got a chance to play. It is an ethos of community and lifting each other up that he brings to his service at Mary Bird Perkins.
My Mary Bird Perkins Story
What makes Mary Bird Perkins the leading cancer care organization?
The mission and the people. The Mary Bird Perkins team has an insatiable quest to always improve do better. As cancer treatment is always changing, they are always evolving and growing.
Why do you support Mary Bird Perkins?
Mary Bird Perkins has one of the best leadership teams of any organization. They have embraced the cancer model and are working to make Baton Rouge a cancer treatment destination for the region. Mary Bird Perkins continued to bring leading-edge technology and innovative treatments to our community to improve treatment and survivability for patients.
Why is a gift to the endowment so important?
The Foundation serves as the backbone of the organization and helps ensure the long-term viability of the organization. It keeps the mission moving forward so that Mary Bird Perkins can continue to offer top-notch care. A gift to the endowment is critical to achieving that mission.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to Mary Bird Perkins, what would you say?
It is about people and those patients and families who hear the words:. “You have cancer.” There are so many people in our community in need of Mary Bird Perkins’ services. Making a gift to Mary Bird Perkins impacts our community, region and state and a legacy gift keeps the mission alive. All money raised stays in the local community, which is incredibly important.
What is your vision for Mary Bird Perkins and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
I want to see Mary Bird Perkins continue to be a driving force in cancer care in our region. Philanthropic support is essential to making that happen. 100% of the money you give to Mary Bird Perkins goes directly to support cancer care in our community. Those dollars can make a real impact right here at home for our family, friends and neighbors.
What motivated you to accept the invitation to serve on the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation Board of Directors?
It is an honor to serve on a board with the depth and breadth of knowledge that Mary Bird Perkins’ leadership possess. The Cancer Center is a world-class organization, and Baton Rouge is incredibly fortunate to have access to the high quality cancer care.