Huntsman steps away from politics in new job

Jon Huntsman accepted a new position as chairman at the Huntsman Cancer Foundation on Thursday, the cancer research center announced this week.

Huntsman’s position was effective immediately on Thursday, meaning he had a new job just 10 days after he dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

The foundation was founded by the former presidential candidate’s father, billionaire businessman Jon Huntsman Sr., in 1995 to build and support the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a research, education and treatment center. Jon Huntsman Sr. will serve as chairman emeritus of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

“This appointment will significantly further the work of the Foundation. His unparalleled international reputation and experience will greatly enhance the life-saving work in which the Foundation is engaged,” the elder Huntsman said in a press release. “We join together with the entire Huntsman Cancer Institute team of more than 1,300 full-time faculty and staff in welcoming Jon to this new position.”

Jon Huntsman Jr. served as an executive at both the Huntsman Corporation and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation prior to his political career. Huntsman went on to serve as governor of Utah and U.S. ambassador to China.

He dropped his bid for the White House earlier this month after a disappointing finish in the New Hampshire primary, a state where he had focused his campaign.

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