2026 Honorees

John J. Manna, Jr., Esq., has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 2003. Mr. Manna served as Chair of the Society’s New York City Area Board from 2017-2019 and continues to serve as a member of that Board.  Mr. Manna also serves as a member of the Society’s Lower Hudson Valley Volunteer Leadership Council. He served on the former Eastern Division Board, including serving as its final chair in 2017. Mr. Manna was co-chair of the Relay for Life of Rockland County from 2008 through 2011 and continues to serve on the Event Leadership Team. He was elected to the ACS CAN Board in October 2013 and currently serves as Vice Chair. Mr. Manna received the American Cancer Society’s St. George National Award in 2013.

In addition to his work with the Society, Mr. Manna served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Safety and Change, which provides shelter and related services to victims of domestic violence and their families.  Mr. Manna is also a member of the President’s Council of St. Thomas Aquinas College in Orangeburg, NY and a member of the Patrons of St. Patrick of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Mr. Manna was named the Philanthropist of the Year for Rockland County, NY in 2008 by the Rockland Development Council.

Mr. Manna received his Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and his Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law and is currently an investor is real estate and technology ventures.

For Dr. Tania Small, medicine has always been more than science — it is a calling to transform not only how patients are treated, but how they experience care. A physician and global healthcare executive, she is dedicated to translating science into meaningful impact for patients. As Senior Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Small leads a multidisciplinary organization of physicians and scientists, advancing innovative medicines across oncology, hematology, immunology and neuroscience —ensuring that scientific excellence translates into measurable improvements in patient outcomes worldwide.

A pediatric hematologist-oncologist by training, Dr. Small began her career caring for children and families facing life-threatening diseases. Witnessing both the courage of her patients and the urgent need for better therapies inspired her to expand her impact beyond the bedside. Transitioning into biopharmaceutical development, she has played a pivotal role in the approval of more than 10 new therapies across 25 indications, helping to redefine standards of care for cancer and rare diseases.

Throughout her career, Dr. Small has championed innovation at the intersection of science, access and advocacy. She has worked closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Congress and policymakers, leading academic institutions and patient advocacy organizations to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in clinical research and healthcare delivery.

Beyond her leadership at BMS, Dr. Small is a respected thought leader and advocate for advancing inclusivity in science. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), and is an active member of multiple international medical and scientific societies. A frequent keynote speaker and podcast host, she is known for her authentic, patient-centered voice and her ability to bridge medicine, leadership and purpose.

Dr. Small’s mission is simple yet profound: to revolutionize the experience and outcomes of people living with serious diseases through patient-driven science and to inspire the next generation of physicians and scientists to lead with curiosity, compassion and courage.