Change in Komen National Leadership

The national headquarters of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced yesterday that CEO Nancy G. Brinker will be moving away from day-to-day management as CEO, and that President Liz Thompson and two board members, Brenda Lauderback and Linda Law, will be leaving their current roles with the organization. These transitions at the top indicate the start of a new chapter for the national office of Susan G. Komen that restores our ability to concentrate singularly on the Komen mission to end breast cancer.

We commend the National Komen Board of Directors, not just for this organizational change but also for taking proactive steps to better listen to its affiliate network regarding important policy changes that will affect our communities. For example, there will now be two national board chairs filled by affiliate representation, plus additional structural changes that will vastly improve communication with local affiliates.

"I think it was recognized that there was a need for some changes to be made," says Komen Puget Sound Executive Director, Cheryl Shaw. "It's a path to recovery. We've had a very tough year."

Here at home, Komen Puget Sound remains focused on serving the breast health needs of women in our community. Local women need us, and we need to be there for them as the largest private provider of free mammogram screenings and breast cancer treatment support. Our ability to save lives and fund critical research is entirely dependent on the generosity of our supporters. We are grateful to our donors and supporters who understand and have stood by our mission despite the challenges of the last few months.

More in this Seattle Times report