#United States #Atlanta #American Cancer Society #V Foundation #Shane Jacobson

American Cancer Society Welcomes Shane Jacobson as New CEO

In a significant move for cancer advocacy in the United States, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has announced the appointment of Shane Jacobson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 12, 2025. Jacobson, who is currently the CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, succeeds Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, who served as interim CEO since late 2024.

Jacobson brings over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to ACS, having accumulated fifteen years in senior management roles. At the V Foundation, he has been instrumental in leading a transformative phase, where revenue surged by 190% and grant-making grew by an impressive 275%. His tenure in nonprofit leadership is marked by a strong focus on impactful cancer research, particularly in health disparities and innovative fundraising methods.

Terri McClements, chair of the American Cancer Society board of directors, expressed great enthusiasm about Jacobson's appointment, stating, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Shane Jacobson to the next chapter of the American Cancer Society. He is a bold, mission-driven leader with integrity and the proven ability to align purpose with performance.” She further added that Jacobson’s leadership style and deep commitment to the ACS mission would foster positive changes that will be felt across countless lives.

Jacobson's appointment comes at a time when the fight against cancer faces urgent challenges. “The burden of cancer is unacceptably high, and the American Cancer Society is uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge,” Jacobson remarked. He views his new leadership role as an opportunity to shape the future goals of ACS. Promising to listen to patients and volunteers, he aims to build on ACS’s successes, focusing on enhancing stakeholder engagement and maximizing fundraising efforts to achieve the organization’s mission.

In his role, Jacobson will also serve as CEO of ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network), which is dedicated to advocating for evidence-based public policy changes that elevate cancer as a significant nationwide priority. This dual responsibility aligns with his mission to ensure that the fight against cancer remains at the forefront of public and policymaker attention.

Jacobson’s educational background includes both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Iowa State University, along with completion of the esteemed Harvard University Management Development Program.

The American Cancer Society has been a pioneer in cancer research and advocacy for over 110 years. It has been instrumental in providing support and hope to cancer patients and their families, emphasizing comprehensive approaches—ranging from research and policy advocacy to direct patient support services. To find out more about the ACS and its ongoing efforts to fight cancer, visit cancer.org or call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.

As Jacobson steps into his new role, the ACS community is optimistic about the impactful changes ahead. The future trajectory of the organization under his leadership is poised to redefine the landscape of cancer advocacy on a national scale, marking a commitment to combatting cancer now and for future generations.