A University of Akron graduate and Richfield resident on Monday became executive director of the Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio affiliate.
He also is the first male leader in the local breast cancer organization’s history.
Sean W. Shacklett will oversee the affiliate, which covers 22 counties and is celebrating its 20th year.
“I am truly humbled by the opportunity to join this amazing organization that assists patients and families in Northeast Ohio deal with breast cancer,” Shacklett said after a full day at the affiliate’s Solon offices. “Komen Northeast Ohio is a dynamic and passionate organization. Both its staff and board of directors are dedicated to advancing our mission of eradicating breast cancer.
“It was the opportunity to re-engage in this community and join this amazing team that drew me to the organization.”
Shacklett received his master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UA, and has experience in government, nonprofit and private sectors.
Most recently, he held the top job at the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council in Cleveland, and was marketing and sales manager for ENPRESS LLC, a manufacturing firm in Eastlake.
He has also held positions with the Cleveland-based Alzheimer’s Association and the Department of Senior and Adult Services in Cuyahoga County, organizations largely staffed by women, he noted.
“For me, it has been the norm,” he said.
“I have been given a gift by the board of directors of Komen Northeast Ohio to have the honor to serve the organization as its first male executive director. This disease can affect women and men and has deep consequences on families and our communities,” Shacklett said.
“This is an opportunity to build on the legacy of the many people that have dedicated their lives to this cause in Northeast Ohio. The team is absolutely stellar, and I am excited to join them as we enter a new era for the organization.”
Shacklett said his goals will include “expanding our reach deeper into our service area,” including Akron. “I see nothing but great things and great potential for growth.”
Board President Denise Grcevich called Shacklett “dynamic and clearly dedicated to this community” with the necessary skills to expand education, awareness and funding.
Since 1994, the Northeast Ohio affiliate has raised $20 million to provide funding and support to Northeast Ohio agencies working to end breast cancer.
Last year alone, the group awarded $1.1 million to 17 agencies across the region to provide mammograms and screening, breast cancer education, outreach and ongoing survivor support.
For more information on the local affiliate, go to www.komenneohio.org/.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis. Beacon Journal staff writer Kathy Antoniotti contributed to this report.