Susan G. Komen® Houston is excited to announce Emelda J. Douglas as its new Executive Director.

“With Komen’s new, bold goal of reducing death from breast cancer by 50 percent in the next decade, Emelda’s talent and expertise will enable Komen Houston to move in a new direction and play a key role in meeting this strategic goal,” says Komen Houston Board Chair Debbie Scanlon. “The board is thrilled to have someone of Emelda’s caliber at the helm of Komen Houston.”

Douglas has held a number of leadership positions in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Most recently, Douglas was a nonprofit management consultant. Her prior roles were Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Neighborhood Centers Inc., where she oversaw resource development and marketing communications, and Vice President of Community Investment at Greater Houston Community Foundation, where she administered more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to local nonprofit organizations.

“I am honored to take on the Executive Director role at Komen Houston,” says Emelda Douglas. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our city’s incredible medical, business, civic and philanthropic communities to create real change in the fight against this disease. We continue to RACE for the Cure throughout the year by providing Research, Advocacy, Community awareness and Education to Komen Houston’s seven-county service area.”

Douglas, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFE), earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration in Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University. In 2014, Douglas was named one of “The Top 30 Influential Women in Houston” by d-mars Business Journal. Additionally, Douglas serves as a board member of the Yellowstone Education Foundation, Lake Houston Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and Humble Area Assistance of Ministries, and she previously served as a board member of the Greater Houston Chapter’s Association for Fundraising Professionals. Douglas also serves on the advisory board of University of Houston’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Douglas joins the Komen Houston team during an exciting time – this past September, Komen announced its new Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by 50 percent in the next decade and is now rallying supporters totake the extra step – make a bigger, bolder impact and be “More Than Pink™.” The More Than Pink™ movement, kicking off in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month), celebrates the heroes who have made a significant impact in the fight to end breast cancer.

Whether you’re the doctor who won’t give up on a patient, the volunteer who gives their free time to ensure the Race for the Cure goes off without a hitch, or the child who sells lemonade in honor of his or her mother; More Than Pink will provide the inspiration for everyone to act, donate, and get involved.

To learn more about Komen Houston and their mission visit, http://www.komen-houston.org/

About Susan G. Komen® Houston:
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, 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 $800 million in research and provided more than $1.7 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 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 Facebook at facebook.com/susangkomen and Twitter @SusanGKomen.

Established in 1990 by passionate volunteers to support the individuals in need throughout the Houston area, Komen® Houston has granted over $50 million to local programs for breast cancer education and awareness campaigns, lifesaving screening and treatment programs, and innovative cutting-edge research. Serving Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty and Montgomery counties, Komen Houston continues its commitment to fundraising and grant making so that families battling breast cancer can get the treatment and support they need.

If you would like to learn about volunteer opportunities or get information about Komen Houston, visitwww.komen-houston.org or call 713-783-9188.