Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington announced today that seasoned business executive and breast cancer survivor has been named president and CEO of Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.
Komen’s Board of Directors named Paula Schneider of Los Angeles to the post, effective Nov. 6. Schneider brings more than 30 years of leadership experience as president or CEO at major retailers and fashion manufacturing companies.
Schneider is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2007, and lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer in 2010.
“I know from personal experience the devastation of breast cancer, and the power and impact of the Komen mission to end it,” she said. “I am determined to do all that I can to build on this iconic organization’s mission to end breast cancer, for everyone and forever.”
Schneider, 59, is widely regarded as an expert in organization management and finance. She has served as president and CEO at American Apparel and Delta Galil Premium Brands, as president at Warnaco Swimwear Group and in strategic advisory roles at the private equity firm, The Gores Group.
A featured speaker at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit in 2016, Schneider also was named one of Los Angeles Business Journal’s 500 Most Influential People for 2016 and garnered the National Association of Women’s Business Owners Inspiration Award in 2010.
“As an affiliate, we look forward to working with Paula’s collaborate leadership in strengthening our grassroots mission nation-wide, and specifically in Oregon and Southwest Washington, as we move forward to achieve our Bold Goal to reduce U.S. breast cancer deaths by half by 2026.” said Komen Oregon and SW Washington CEO, Andrew Asato.
As President and CEO, Schneider will be responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of Komen’s worldwide network, which includes more than 80 Komen Affiliates serving millions of women through community health and education programs all around the world. Schneider will reside in Dallas.
About Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington
In the last 25 years, the local organization has funneled nearly $19.5 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors and forever fighters, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for access to treatment. Another $12.2 million has been dedicated to local cutting-edge research.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization outside of the federal government, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $956 million in research and provided more than $2.1 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs. Komen has worked in more than 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social
Media Contacts:
Ann Berryman
Director of Development and Communications
Komen Oregon and SW Washington
503-553-3675
Cell 503-799-4930
Melissa Ives
iVes Marketing + PR
503-490-4837
