Press Release
2010-06-28
CancerCare National Board of Trustees Elects New President, Susan S. Smirnoff
NEW YORK, June 28, 2010--CancerCare, a national, direct-services nonprofit organization that provides free, professional counseling, financial assistance and practical support to people affected by cancer, today announced that Susan S. Smirnoff has been elected President of CancerCare's national board of trustees. Her four-year term begins immediately.
Ms. Smirnoff, 57, is the Executive Vice President and Global Strategic Head, Health and Wellness, of New York public relations agency Ruder Finn, Inc., where she is responsible for the strategic direction and creative development and execution of public relations campaigns for major clients. She has served as a member of the CancerCare national board of trustees since 2004.
"Susan's creativity, insights, and health care expertise are invaluable assets in helping to fulfill CancerCare's mission," stated CancerCare CEO Helen H. Miller, LMSW. "Her leadership and vision will continue to guide the organization in building its capacity and reach while ensuring that we remain fiscally sound in the years ahead."
"It's an honor and privilege to serve this organization as its board president and continue working with such an exceptional group of professionals," noted Ms. Smirnoff. "I am fully committed to expanding our reach and impact with the free services we provide to people across the nation who are coping with a cancer diagnosis."
In her more than 30-year tenure with Ruder Finn, Ms. Smirnoff and her team have produced award-winning public relations campaigns for clients in the healthcare field. Ms. Smirnoff, a graduate of The George Washington University, was formerly with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and worked as a reporter covering health and consumer affairs legislation and regulatory activity in Washington.
In her new role at CancerCare, Ms. Smirnoff succeeds Paul M. Friedman, completing his second term as board president. Mr. Friedman is Chief Operating Officer for Guggenheim Securities, LLC, a global, privately held financial services firm based in New York City.
"Susan's wide-ranging experience makes her an outstanding selection for president of CancerCare's national board," said Mr. Friedman. "She is respected leader in her field and brings an enormous amount of creativity, passion and dedication to CancerCare and the board."
Ms. Miller commended the exceptional contributions that Mr. Friedman has made in his more than two decades of involvement with CancerCare that include numerous leadership roles as a board member and officer.
"CancerCare has thrived under Paul's leadership, and we are thrilled he has chosen to remain a board member and will continue contributing his expertise and guidance to the organization," Miller said.