​It was an evening of celebration as several leadership volunteers and partners were honored at the 2025 Volunteer Leadership Summit in Dallas, TX on Jan. 27. Winners were selected based on award nominations submitted by ACS team members from all across the country, and a special awards ceremony provided the opportunity to publicly recognize their amazing contributions. 
 
Congratulations to Ella Kazerooni, MD, MS and Suzy Lawrence who were honored as the 2024 recipients of the American Cancer Society Volunteer Leadership Award at the national Volunteer Leadership Summit. The Volunteer Leadership Award is the organization’s top volunteer award presented annually to up to two individuals who have served as a volunteer leader for enterprise-wide programs, initiatives, or board-level committees or task forces (other than as chair of the American Cancer Society Board of Directors), and to others who have provided long and distinguished service to ACS at the enterprise-wide level. 
 
Dr. Ella Kazerooni is a founding member and inaugural chair of the ACS National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT), leading the charge in reducing lung cancer mortality and increasing survivor rates. Under her guidance, the Roundtable has grown to include over 220 organizations working collaboratively to tackle lung cancer across the continuum—from prevention and screening to treatment and survivorship. 

One of her most transformative initiatives is the creation of National Lung Cancer Screening Day, a nationwide effort that has brought life-saving screenings to individuals who may otherwise lack access. This initiative has engaged over 1,700 participating sites and was recently recognized with a presidential proclamation​ declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Kazerooni’s leadership has also expanded the Roundtable’s mission beyond screening to a comprehensive approach that addresses disparities, promotes health equity, and fosters state-based coalitions to advance lung cancer control. Their relentless advocacy, groundbreaking contributions, and unwavering commitment have inspired countless others to join the fight against cancer. She is a professor of radiology and internal medicine and serves as associate chief clinical officer for the Diagnostic and Clinical Information Oversight Team within the University of Michigan Medical Group. 

​​​​​For the last two years, Suzy Lawrence has served as lead of the nationwide Relay For Life leadership team, the highest volunteer position in the Relay For Life program. As a Relayer and ACS volunteer for more than 30 years, Suzy has embraced her new role, attending more than a dozen events and fundraisers – often at her own expense – to support and thank volunteers and team members for their hard work. Suzy’s signature achievement has been the revival of a nationwide training series, where she unites staff and volunteers across regions to deliver consistent, high-quality virtual training. The program’s first year saw hundreds of volunteers trained, significantly enhancing their event results preparedness. In addition to her leadership role in Relay For Life, Suzy is an active member of the Virginia Area Board, recently serving as its chair, and is a dedicated driver for the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program.​

Several additional volunteer leaders and partners were honored throughout the evening including Pfizer, which was named Corporate Partner of the Year for its unwavering commitment to transforming cancer care. 

In early 2024, Pfizer partnered with ACS to launch 'Change the Odds: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes,' a three-year initiative dedicated to addressing disparities in cancer care in medically underrepresented communities. Their $15 million investment has enhanced awareness of and access to screening, clinical trial opportunities, patient support, and comprehensive navigation. In addition to increasing awareness nationwide, the initiative includes strategic focus on creating scalable impact specific to prostate and breast cancer in five key states and prioritizes rural areas. With two years remaining, this initiative continues to drive meaningful change. Beyond funding, this partner provides strategic guidance, resources, and mission amplification for the American Cancer Society. ​

​Additional national award winners presented during the Volunteer Leadership Summit include:​

• ​Patient Support Volunteer Award for Excellence: Jeff Molby
  
• Event of the Year: Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball
• Development Award for Excellence in DE&I: Griselda Garibay, MBA, MPS
• Philanthropist of the Year: The late Marianne Byrn Kipper, PhD
• Young Leader Award: Zach Dane, EdD
• Fredda Bryan National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: Olivia White & Cassie Levy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Congratulations to all those who were recognized in Dallas during the summit! In the coming weeks, ACS news channels will highlight even more award winners.​

Lead image: 

Photo at left (from left to right): Interim CEO of ACS and ACS CAN Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Dr. Ella Kazerooni, Chair of the Volunteer Impact Panel and 2024 Volunteer Leadership Award winner, Scott Rollin, and Chair of the ACS Board of Directors Brian Marlow.

Photo at right (from left to right): Interim CEO of ACS and ACS CAN Dr. Wayne Frederick, Volunteer Impact Panel Co-Chair and 2016 Volunteer Leadership Award Winner, Jim Murray, Suzy Lawrence, Senior Director of Relay For Life, Bryan Sherwood, Chair of the ACS Board of Directors Brian Marlow.​

​Small image pictured above: Interim CEO of ACS and ACS CAN Dr. Wayne Frederick, Senior Director, Team Lead, US Advocacy & Professional Relations for Pfizer, Susan Hensley, Vice President & Head, U.S. Business Policy and Public Affairs for Pfizer, Angela Riemer, Vice President, Oncology Patient Solutions & Alliances, for Pfizer, Marianne Gandee, Chief Patient Officer Dr. Arif Kamal, Chair of the ACS Board of Directors Brian Marlow.