Josef Ruef served as President of The Big C Society® from 2019 to 2022 and led its modernization while concurrently serving as President and Executive Director during 2019 and 2020. Mr. Ruef is an entrepreneur and executive with 20 years of experience developing and growing businesses. Currently, Mr. Ruef is Founding Partner of September Capital, an investment and consulting firm that assists early stage technology companies. Previously Mr, Ruef was Co-Founder and CEO of Verical Inc., an online marketplace for electronic components that was acquired by Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW). Mr. Ruef is also a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, 1993, where he earned a B.A. in English and played football for the Golden Bears.

Jim Barker wrestled for the Bears in the 157 pound category, and graduated Cal in 1965 with a B.S. in Zoology. He went on to graduate from the Dental School at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 1971, and he’s been practicing dentistry ever since. Jim served as President of The Big C Society® from 2017 to 2018, and is a proud father to a family of Golden Bears.

R. Kent Brewer retired in 2012 after a 40-year family law practice in Walnut Creek, CA. Kent graduated from Cal with a major in Political Science. He was a member of the Cal Track and Field team, earning his letter in the pole vault in 1963 and 1964. As a long time supporter of Cal sports Kent has been both a liaison to the track and field program and a certified USATF official serving as a volunteer official for track and field meets held at Cal. He is a Past President of The Big C Society® and continues to serve as a member of its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Karl Uebel was President of the Big C Society® from 2013 to 2014, and currently sits in its Board of Directors.

Burl Toler who was a standout football player for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 2011 to 2012, and currently sits on its Board of Directors as an ex-officio director. Toler was also the recipient of the 2018 Glenn Seaborg Award.

Since retiring in 2007 Mr. Carpenter has devoted much of his time to The Big C Society®, where he serves as a permanent ex-officio director. Carpenter served as Executive Director from 2015 to 2018, and previously, Carpenter was President of The Big C Society® from 2009 to 2010. Carpenter earned his first varsity letter in 1962 and became a three-year starter on the Golden Bear basketball team. After graduation, Carpenter stayed in Berkeley to earn his JD degree at Boalt Hall School of Law. Following a short stint working in Hawaii, Chris returned to the East Bay and began a 35-year career as a prosecutor with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. For the final 10 years, he was in charge of the office's Consumer and Environmental Protection Division.

Don Bowden is a longtime Director and Executive Committee member for The Big C Society®. Bowden was President of The Big C Society® from 2007 to 2008.

A 1956 Olympic Team member, Bowden was the first American ever to break the four-minute barrier in the mile (3:58.7) on June 1, 1957, in Stockton, Calif. His almost-50-year-old record time in the mile was recently broken by former Cal runner David Torrence, who set the new record at 3:58.62 at the California Collegiate Challenge on April 28, 2007, at Edwards Stadium.

A 1956 Olympian in the 1500, the 1957 NCAA Outdoor 880-yard champion, Bowden was ranked third in the world in the 800 meters by Track & Field News in 1957. He also ran the third leg (1:49.5) for Cal's quartet that set the 4x880-yard relay world record time of 7:21.0 in Los Angeles on May 24, 1957.

Gregg Thornton, who competed on the Track & Field team for the Golden Bears, was President of The Big C Society® from 2005 to 2006.

Bill Bailey is a honorary member of The Big C Society®, and served as its President from 2003 to 2004.

Storrie Johnson was President of the Big C Society® from 2001 to 2002, and currently sits on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Monte Upshaw, who was a track & field standout for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 1999 to 2000.

Linn Watson, who swam and played water polo for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 1997 to 1998.

Rich Stachowski, who played football for the Golden Bears and the Denver Broncos, was President of the Big C Society® from 1995 to 1996.

Paul Andrew, who was a standout football and rugby player for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 1993 to 1994.

John Merchant, who competed for the Golden Bears on the Track & Field team, was President of the Big C Society® from 1991 to 1992.

Jim Werson, who was a standout swimmer and water polo player for the Golden Bears and a member of its Athletic Hall of Fame, was President of the Big C Society® from 1989 to 1990.

Joe Griffin, who ran track for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 1987 to 1988.

Tom Paulson, who swam for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1986.

Andy Wolfe, who was a standout basketball player for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1985.

Willis Anderson, who rowed crew for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1984.

Allen Bender, who played football for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1983.

Sandy Skaggs, who rowed crew for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1982.

Jim Cullom, who was a standout football player for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1981.

Bob Hogeboom, who was a standout basketball player for the Golden Bears, was President of The Big C Society® in 1980.

Beau Breck, who rower crew for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1979.

John Ricksen played both Basketball and Tennis for the Golden Bears, and is a member of the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame. Ricksen was President of The Big C Society® in 1978, and since then has served on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Jack Elliot, who played tennis for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1977.

Stan Morketter, who both swam and played water polo for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® from 1975 to 1976.

Ed Donahue, who played Basketball and ran Track for the Golden Bears, was President of the Big C Society® in 1972.

Carl Van Heuit, who was a standout football player for the Golden Bears and one of Pappy’s Boys, was President of the Big C Society® in 1971.