American Cancer Society Launches CEO Search

ATLANTA, April 8, 2025 - The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announced today it has launched 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 chief executive officer, 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 have 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 American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. There has been a 34% decrease in the overall US cancer death rate since the high-water mark in 1991. That equates to nearly 4.5 million cancer deaths that were 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 American Cancer Society 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 apply, can be found here.

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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.