The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) has appointed Karen Patti as its new executive director, effective Jan. 5, 2026. This leadership change comes as the organization seeks to expand its statewide impact in breast cancer advocacy, research, education, and patient outcomes.
Patti brings over 20 years of experience in women’s health leadership, nonprofit growth, and statewide program development, with a proven track record of advancing access-focused initiatives across Florida. She joins FBCF from the Promise Fund of Florida, where she served as chief operating officer, helping to scale one of the nation’s most effective community-based women’s health models. In this role, she expanded screening, diagnostics, and navigation services for underserved women.
Founded in 1993, the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is distinct among breast cancer organizations for its Florida-first model, ensuring that every dollar raised supports education, research, advocacy, and direct services for Floridians. Through its End Breast Cancer specialty license plate, policy leadership, and research grantmaking, FBCF plays a pivotal role in shaping how breast cancer is addressed statewide.
“Karen brings deep experience building and scaling mission-driven initiatives, along with a clear understanding of how advocacy, policy, research, and community partnerships come together to drive impact,” said Nicole Marriott, Chair of the FBCF Board of Directors. “Her leadership positions the Foundation to strengthen its role as Florida’s statewide hub for breast cancer advocacy and elevate our voice with policymakers.”
Throughout her career, Patti has focused on aligning public policy, health care partnerships, and philanthropic investments to improve screening, treatment pathways, survivorship resources, and long-term outcomes. As a licensed speech-language pathologist by training, she offers a people-centered, outcomes-driven perspective grounded in both clinical and nonprofit leadership.
“Florida has an opportunity to lead the nation in how breast cancer is addressed – from screening and treatment to survivorship, research, and long-term outcomes,” said Patti. “The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation has the reach, credibility, and partnerships to drive meaningful change at scale. It is an honor to lead the Foundation as it strengthens advocacy, education, research, and community-based solutions that improve outcomes for women across Florida.”
