The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) is excited to announce and celebrate the newly elected members of the Cancer Council Leadership Team. This past spring, Cancer Council Members cast their votes to select new leaders that will contribute to the unified voice and ongoing support for our cancer programs and colleagues across states, tribes, territories, and Pacific Island jurisdictions.
A New Year of Leadership
The Cancer Council Leadership Team serves as a driving force behind efforts to address cancer-related challenges. This year’s elected leaders bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives, ready to inspire progress and make a lasting impact.
Catherine Young, Mississippi – Chair Elect
Catherine Young is the Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program in Mississippi. Catherine has held the position of Senior Vice President for the Susan G. Komen Memphis and Mississippi affiliate, where she played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission to support breast cancer awareness, education, and research funding. Recognized within the Mississippi State Department of Health and other local and national organizations for her contributions to cancer control, Catherine is deeply passionate about making a tangible impact on the lives of individuals affected by or at risk for cancer.
Dr. Reni Elewonibi, Louisiana –Â Member at Large
Dr. Elewonibi is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology and Population Health department at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center. She is also the Director of the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Program (LCP) and Program Director of Screen Up, a quality improvement initiative funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Elewonibi has spent nearly two decades working to eliminate barriers underserved populations encounter when accessing preventive and diagnostic cancer services. She is a public health demographer with extensive experience implementing programs in the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, bringing unique skills and perspectives to her current work in Louisiana.
Thank You for Your Commitment
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Cancer Council election. We had good voter turnout and are looking forward to a new year of supporting national efforts to advancing cancer prevention, early detection, and care initiatives. Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Catherine and Dr. Elewonibi. Their leadership is vital to the Cancer Council’s mission and the broader goal of improving public health for all.
Learn more about the NACDD Cancer Council, and how you can get involved.