Stop Soldier Suicide CEO and leadership

Adam Vanek is the chief executive officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Throughout his career, he has built a portfolio of transformational achievements in private, public and nonprofit corporations. He has extensive nonprofit experience, previously serving as National General Counsel for MADD and, more recently, Susan G. Komen in Dallas.

During his previous tenure at MADD, from 2011 to 2017, Vanek led efforts to overhaul many core practices, policies and procedures. He also played a high-profile role in strengthening MADD’s public image and influence, helping further MADD’s mission through legal advocacy, jurisprudence and serving as legal expert in drunk driving and traffic safety.

A motivational, results-driven leader who seeks the best in his team, as well as himself, Vanek is known for his practical legal mind and sharp business acumen, tearing down department silos and uniting staff to achieve shared goals.

He is a graduate of Wake Forest Law School, where he served on the Honors and Ethics Board. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, where he was named a College of Business Administration Fellow and awarded the Buck Weirus Spirit Award for student service.

Vanek is licensed to practice law in Texas and Washington, D.C. He worked in private practice for almost 13 years before joining MADD in 2011.

Beyond his career achievements, Vanek is committed to community service. He is a member of the North Texas Crime Commission, Dallas Bar Association, Leadership Dallas Alumni Association and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He has also served as national legal counsel and board member of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, and as president and board member of both the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Vanek lives with his wife and four children in Dallas, where they are active members of Trinity Church.