American Cancer Society appoints Chief Development Officer

American Cancer Society
Monday, 9 June 2003

Robert D. Mitchell to assume strategic fundraising leadership role

The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health organization, has named Robert D. "Rob" Mitchell to the newly formed post of nationwide Chief Development Officer. In the role, he will provide strategic direction and integrated oversight for the Society's nationwide portfolio of fundraising activities. Additionally, Mitchell assumes the title of President, American Cancer Society Foundation. The ACS Foundation is the development arm of the Society that raises major, distinguished gifts and endowments from individuals, corporations and foundations.

"We've now instituted our vision of a truly integrated, nationwide fundraising strategy that is essential to supporting our overarching goal of creating a cancer-free future," said John R. Seffrin, PhD, national Chief Executive Officer, for the American Cancer Society. "Rob's appointment to these key roles demonstrates his capabilities in fundraising management and organizational leadership as well as his personal contributions to the work of the Society."

Mitchell, who is based in offices in San Antonio, has been a senior fundraising executive with the American Cancer Society for nearly five years, most recently serving as the organization's National Vice President for Income Development. Under his leadership, the organization has designed and deployed a comprehensive, cooperative nationwide strategic effort to coordinate fundraising efforts throughout the Society and its 3400 offices coast to coast. During his tenure with the Society, he was also responsible for the formation of the Society's Planned Giving Business Unit, which has to date secured more than $200 million in new bequests, charitable trusts and annuities for use in funding the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society.

In fiscal 2002, the most recent year for which certified financial statements are available, the American Cancer Society successfully solicited more than $800 million in revenues.

Mitchell, a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has spent more than 21 years in professional fundraising management and consulting roles for a variety of non-profit organizations including health care systems and cancer centers, as well as nationwide charities such as the Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and The National Childhood Cancer Foundation.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org