Irish Cancer Society CEO John McCormack announces departure in December following 28 years of dedicated service

Irish Cancer Society pays tribute to John McCormack for his excellent contribution to the work of the Society

The Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society John McCormack has announced his intention to leave the Society on 31st December 2017. This follows a distinguished career in which he has spearheaded the growth and development of the Society as an advocate and supporter of people affected by cancer.

Irish Cancer Society Chairman, Dermot Breen said: “John first joined the Irish Cancer Society as Chief Accountant in 1989 and was appointed CEO in 2002. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in all of the Society’s achievements through a mix of skill, energy and enthusiasm which has greatly benefited and advanced the work of the Society, in the interests of cancer patients.

This includes the development and implementation of key strategies and campaigns including advocacy to impact smoking and tobacco use; influencing and supporting the second 10 year National Cancer Strategy in 2006; the roll out of nationwide screening for cervical and bowel cancer; the expansion of the Society’s support services including funding for cancer care and the expansion of our cancer research programme.

“The Board, management and staff of the Irish Cancer Society express our strong appreciation to John for his unstinting personal commitment and dedication to the Society throughout his career with us. We wish him every success in the future. We will now begin a recruitment process for a successor which will ensure a thorough handover with continuity and progress across all of our work.”

John McCormack said: “I’m very proud of the Irish Cancer Society and I feel privileged to have led an organisation of talented and caring people focused on the needs and concerns of people affected by cancer. We couldn’t do that without the exceptional support and generosity of our volunteers, fundraisers, donors and friends who work so tirelessly to help the Society. I’ll continue to be a lifelong supporter of the Society’s vision which aims for a future without cancer. I look forward to contributing further in the months ahead including handing over to a new CEO before I leave in December.”

The Irish Cancer Society works tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. The Society does this by funding life-saving, collaborative cancer research, providing up to date information about cancer, delivering a range of services to improve the lives of people living with cancer and their families, and by influencing change and raising awareness of cancer issues at government level. Ninety-eight per cent of the Society’s income is contributed by the Irish public through fundraising.