Susan G. Komen Promotes Local Executive Director

The board of directors of the for the Cure unanimously voted to promoted Kathy Purcell from executive director to chief executive officer. The move is effective immediately.

According to Jeremy Hartzell, president of the Pittsburgh Komen board, “Kathy has provided exemplary leadership of our affiliate. Under her leadership, we’ve expanded our grant making throughout our 30-county service area, increased the number and scope of educational programs we provide, and our fund-raising events continue to grow. The promotion to CEO is not only a recognition of Kathy’s tireless work with Komen Pittsburgh, but also her role as a leader in breast health in the region.” 

Purcell was a volunteer and member of the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Affiliate prior to being hired as executive director in January 2008.  She previously served for nearly 20 years as an oncology social worker at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

“When Kathy joined Komen Pittsburgh she brought with her a depth of knowledge about breast cancer, and just as importantly, a sensitivity to the needs of survivors and co-survivors,” says Hartzell. “We are fortunate to have one of the strongest leaders in the Komen network serving the Pittsburgh affiliate.”

Purcell graduated from State University of New York at Brockport with a bachelor of science degree in sociology and health sciences. She also holds a master of science in social work degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

A native of Utica, NY, Purcell resides in Etna.