DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Nov 19, 2013) - Jo Schantz, MNM, of Golden, Colo., has been selected as the new executive director of the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA), effective December 1, 2013. She will succeed Guadalupe (Pep) Torres, who announced her resignation in September after serving as COCA's executive director since January 2011.
Schantz is joining COCA with more than 20 years of senior-level experience in management, fundraising and communication at various nonprofits. Most recently, she was director of development for Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC). Schantz previously was chief development officer, Veterans Green Jobs; special projects manager, Colorado State University Extension; senior development officer, Griffith Centers for Children, Inc.; vice president of events and educational services, Apartment Association of Metro Denver; director of development, Colorado Humanities; vice president of development, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Inc.; and fund development director, Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver.
"I am proud to be chosen as the new executive director for this wonderful nonprofit," said Schantz. "Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease, but one that can be overcome through early detection and the right care. COCA is focused on spreading awareness and providing essential support to Colorado women."
A magna cum laude graduate of Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor's degree in English/journalism, Schantz also earned a master's degree in nonprofit management at Regis University. She was appointed by the Jefferson Country Commissioners in 2013 to the Jefferson County Community Services Advisory Board. Schantz is a member of the West Chamber serving Jefferson County, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Regis University Alumni Association.
Mary Phillips, president of COCA's Board, stated, "While COCA will miss Pep Torres, whose leadership has been outstanding, we are delighted to welcome Jo, with her enthusiasm and experience, as our next executive director. Under Jo, COCA looks forward to further growth in our ability to expand ovarian cancer awareness and to offer help to women with this terrible disease."
The mission of the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance is to provide support and to promote awareness and early detection of ovarian cancer through advocacy and education. To learn more about COCA and its programs, visit www.colo-ovariancancer.org.
