MaryAnn Means-Dufrene said July 7 she will resign from her position as executive director of Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth on July 29.
The Fort Worth affiliate provides services to Tarrant, Parker, Johnson and Hood counties, including breast health education, breast cancer screenings, diagnostic exams, and assistance with cancer treatments for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
Means-Dufrene served as deputy chief of staff, mayor and council office for the city of Fort Worth from May 2012-October 2014 before being named director of the local affiliate in October 2014.
Under her leadership, Komen Greater Fort Worth founded the Parker County Breast Health Coalition; identified and recruited nine new board members; cultivated a partnership with Clearfork, the future home of Race for the Cure beginning next spring; and planned a new fundraising event, Kick Up Your Heels for the Cure, at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork.
“I am proud of the work that I have accomplished with the remarkable support of our staff, board of directors and volunteers who work tirelessly to help those in our community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Means-Dufrene. “I look forward to watching Komen Greater Fort Worth grow stronger so it can continue to help fund these critical services for members of our community in the years to come.”
Lucy Hyden, president of Hyden Inc., will assist Komen Greater Fort Worth while working with the board of directors to hire the new executive director. She has 24 years of experience as a nonprofit consultant.
Susan G. Komen is one of the few breast cancer organizations that raises money for both research and to serve people in local communities; 75 percent of funds raised by Komen Greater Fort Worth stay in its service area to support vital breast health services, while the additional 25 percent funds breast cancer research at the national level.
“Since founding Komen Greater Fort Worth nearly 25 years ago, Rozanne [Rosenthal] and I have seen it evolve into a powerful affiliate committed to serving four counties,” said Joan Katz, co-vice president of the board. “We are extremely proud of MaryAnn’s role in that commitment. Her love for the community and expertise in cultivating new partnerships has resulted in a long-lasting legacy to guide us into a new era.”