Local Komen Leader to Retire
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSusan G. Komen Central Indiana Executive Director Dana Curish says she will retire early next year. The organization says it will immediately begin the search for a replacement.
September 12, 2013
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Dana Curish, executive director of the Central Indiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, has announced plans to retire early next year. Dana joined Komen in June, 2004, and during her tenure, the organization doubled its revenues and dramatically expanded its impact across the region.
“It has been such a privilege to be a part of this amazing organization and to witness how far we have come in reducing the mortality from breast cancer by helping women in our community through our grant program and improving outcomes for women by funding cutting-edge scientific research,” said Dana. “As a survivor myself, this mission has been very personal to me.”
During Dana's tenure, the organization has doubled its annual revenues from $1.5 million to $3 million and granted a total of $15 million to local not for profits who have provided education, early screening and detection services including mammograms, treatment assistance and survivor support to low income Hoosiers across Central Indiana. These dollars have helped screen and diagnose nearly 1,000 women with breast cancer. These are women who might otherwise not have had their cancers diagnosed until too late.
“Dana is an exceptional leader and we are fortunate in that she plans to remain committed to the organization,” said Komen Central Indiana Board Chair John Papageorge. “We know her decision to retire is bittersweet, but she wants to spend more time with her grandchildren in Florida and there’s no doubt that she has earned the time for a few more walks on the beach.”
Komen dollars have also funded three Indiana research institutions and 22 Indiana investigators – scientists who are seeking improved diagnostic and treatment methods that have helped reduce breast cancer death rates.
The Central Indiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is one of 121 affiliates around the world and one of four Komen affiliates in Indiana. This affiliate has a staff of five and a total budget of $2.2 million serving 21 counties in Central Indiana. The Indianapolis affiliate began in 1992 with its first Race for the Cure event that attracted 2,400 participants and raised $35,000. The Race has grown exponentially since then and included as many as 45,000 participants. The affiliate is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors.
A search committee has been preparing for the past couple months and will begin seeking qualified candidates for this position on September 14, 2013. Dana plans to remain through the transition as needed to ensure continuity.
Source: Susan G. Komen Central Indiana