Sean Shacklett to Lead Komen Northeast Ohio Affiliate

The new Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Affiliate is a highly-skilled and energetic executive who has spent most of his career working in health and human services with the goal of improving health services and strengthening communities.   And, yes, the new leader is a man, the first male leader in the organization’s history. 

Sean W. Shacklett, MPA, was selected by the Board of Directors to lead the Affiliate, which covers 22 counties, into its 20th anniversary year and beyond. 

“I am humbled,” said Shacklett in being selected from a competitive pool of candidates.  “The mission and the strength of community involvement from Komen volunteers, donors, and sponsors will continue to motivate me to help grow and strengthen this vibrant and dedicated organization.”

“Sean is dynamic and clearly dedicated to this community, with organizational and operational experience that will help us make significant strides in furthering awareness, expanding education and enhancing funding in our fight to end breast cancer,” says Denise Grcevich, President of the Affiliate Board. 

Shacklett, who lives in Richfield, Ohio, with his wife and children, has extensive experience in government, non-profit and private sectors.  Most recently, he was Executive Director of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council in Cleveland, and Marketing and Sales Manager for ENPRESS LLC, a manufacturing firm in Eastlake.  Previous experience includes significant levels of responsibility at the Cleveland-based Alzheimer’s Association (where he was responsible for the development and oversight of all chapter programs and services) and the Department of Senior and Adult Services in Cuyahoga County (involved at the senior leadership level with all departmental operations and activities).

“Especially in my work with the county, I have had the pleasure and honor to work with organizations predominantly staffed by women,” says Shacklett.  “For me, it has been the norm.  But breast cancer itself affects both men and women, directly and indirectly.  This is not a ‘female-only’ disease; its true impact is on men and women, families and children, entire communities.  My goal is to strengthen the scope of the entire support system for those impacted by this disease.”

Shacklett is a graduate of The University of Akron, with a Master’s degree in public administration and a Bachelor’s degree in political science.  As Executive Director, Shacklett will work closely with the Affiliate Board of Directors, Komen headquarters, and the affiliate network to reach the strategic goals set forth by the Board.

Please contact Stephanie Scarnecchia, Development Communications Coordinator at Komen Northeast Ohio, at 216.292.2873 x 104 or sscarnecchia@komenneohio.org with any questions.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate
Since 1994, the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has raised $20 million to provide funding and support to Northeast Ohio agencies working to create a world without breast cancer.  In 2012, Komen Northeast Ohio granted $1.1 million to 17 agencies across the region. The agencies provide mammograms and screening, breast cancer education, outreach and ongoing survivor support. Up to seventy-five percent of the money raised locally funds programs in Northeast Ohio, and the remaining 25 percent helps fund the Susan G. Komen National Research Grant Program.  Our vision is to create a world without breast cancer.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.9 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.