The Breast Cancer Coalition Announces Christina Thompson as New Executive Director
Rochester, NY – The Breast Cancer Coalition is delighted to announce that Christina Thompson, the organization’s current Associate Director, has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Coalition. She will begin her role on March 1, 2024. Since joining the Coalition in January 2021, Thompson has exemplified empathic leadership, a capacity for strong community building, and a steadfast determination to advocate for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.
A search committee was formed that comprised members of the board, a representative from each committee representing the pillars of the Coalition, a staff member, and stakeholders from the local community. After a comprehensive interview process, the committee was pleased to recommend Thompson as the candidate for the Executive Director position.
The four pillars of the Coalition, which form the basis of the group’s actions, are Advocacy, Education, Research, and Support.
“Many factors were considered by our committee to ensure the organization’s ability to continue its current programming, as well as envision the greatest opportunities for the Coalition to serve the population of survivors,” reports Umbereen Mustafa, Chair of the Search Committee and member of the Coalition’s Board of Directors. “Christina has a depth of knowledge of each of the four pillars and sees the unmet needs that the Coalition can work to address in the coming years.”
“Christina’s strategic vision and great desire will help lead the Coalition to new heights,” continues Melinda Goldberg, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Board looks forward to her innovative thinking and collaborative spirit to build on the solid foundation laid and maintained by Holly Anderson’s twenty-three extraordinary years as Executive Director.”
“As I step away from my leadership position of the Breast Cancer Coalition, I do so with the pride and conviction that Christina Thompson is the right person to lead this organization forward,” reflects Anderson. "Working alongside her these last few years has allowed me the unique vantage point to observe her as she has developed her own vision for the Coalition. Congratulations to Christina! And my deepest gratitude to the members of the Search Committee who have delivered the quintessential leader to our staff and Board of Directors. I look forward to watching the Coalition flourish under her capable leadership. Indeed, it already has!"
Thompson has contributed significantly to the growth of the Coalition over the past three years, particularly in expanding the organization’s supportive and educational programming offered throughout 27 counties in Central and Western New York. Additionally, she has lent her guidance and insights to many of the group’s initiatives, such as Chairing the Advocacy Committee and providing major assistance with the Research Initiative. Her strategic vision, along with her personal lived experiences and deep desire to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Coalition, will ensure the organization’s continued ability to serve survivors of breast and gynecologic cancers from diagnosis through survivorship.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as the Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition,” shares Thompson. “This opportunity is not just a responsibility, but a privilege to serve an organization that impacts so many lives. I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am committed to working tirelessly alongside our dedicated team and supporters to further our mission of advocating, supporting, and empowering those affected by breast and gynecologic cancer. Together, with humility and gratitude, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by these diseases.”