FWC Executive Director Resigns

Karen Carson

Karen Carson

On April 17, 2019, Pierre M. Désy, MPH, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC), announced the resignation of Karen Carson from her position as executive director of the FWC effective April 30, 2019.

Karen spent her entire adult working life—31 years—at either the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) or the FWC. The FWC (then the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation) was established by SGO in 1991 with Karen as its executive director since 1993. Her leadership has resulted in many accomplishments. Here are just a few:

  • Obtained over $60 million in funding, over $8.5 for gynecologic cancer research supporting 210 grants
  • Declaration of September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  • Creation of the Allied Support Group to bring together the entire gynecologic cancer community
  • Management of the National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign
  • In collaboration with Johanna’s Family, SGO leadership and the community, enactment of Johanna’s Law
  • Together with SGO and the American Cancer Society, release of the Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Statement, endorsed by an additional 21 organizations
  • In-house rebranding of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation as the Foundation for Women’s Cancer to coincide with the organization’s 20th anniversary
  • Leading establishment of the National Race to End Women’s Cancer and End Women’s Cancer Weekend in Washington, DC, starting in 2009
  • Funding for 118 gynecologic cancer education courses throughout the country
  • Creation of an extensive gynecologic cancer educational library and award-winning website

Under Karen’s leadership Worth Magazine named the FWC as on one of the 100 Best Charities in America and she was featured in books entitled “Be Happy at Work: 100 Women Who Love Their Jobs and Why” and “Career Bliss.” Not surprisingly, her story was included in the chapter entitled, “The Loyalists.”

At the SGO’s 50th Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer March 17 in Honolulu, HI, Karen was presented with the well-deserved Distinguished Service award. This partial list of her accomplishments demonstrates why she so rightly deserved this honor and why she will be missed.

Over the past 31 years, Karen has been loyal to SGO members, the gynecologic cancer community and the women and families it serves.

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About FWC
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing research, education and awareness about gynecologic cancer risk, prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. The FWC is the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). Learn more at foundationforwomenscancer.org.

About SGO
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is the premier medical specialty society for health care professionals trained in the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers. As a 501(c)(6) organization, the SGO contributes to the advancement of women’s cancer care by encouraging research, providing education, raising standards of practice, advocating for patients and members and collaborating with other domestic and international organizations. Learn more at sgo.org.

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