The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announced the launch of a nationwide search to find the organizations’ next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In November, the ACS Board of Directors appointed Wayne A.I. Frederick, MD, MBA, to serve as interim CEO, providing leadership and continuity during a period of executive transition.
The ACS board search committee, led by ACS Board members Karen S. Etzkorn and Ken Stoll, has retained the executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry to conduct the search.
The ACS’ mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. For more than 110 years, the ACS has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. There has been a 34% decrease in the overall U.S. cancer death rate since the high-water mark in 1991. That equates to nearly 4.5 million cancer deaths avoided during that time. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done.
The CEO of the ACS and its advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN, will lead the organization in advancing its mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. This visionary leader will collaborate with the boards to shape strategic direction, drive innovation, and ensure financial sustainability through fundraising and digital revenue strategies. Overseeing leadership and management, they will inspire and engage staff, volunteers, and stakeholders while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion. As the primary spokesperson, the CEO will strengthen relationships with donors, researchers, policymakers, and the media, attracting new supporters to enhance ACS’ impact.
A detailed description of the CEO’s position specification and to a portal to apply can be found here.
