Director: Emily Callahan, Susan G. Komen For The Cure
Nonprofit Dynamo
For 25 years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has become the largest nonprofit organization supporting breast cancer research. Key to its longevity and success is its exemplary
staff, as evidenced by Emily Callahan, the director of communications. With her consummate media relations skills, flexibility and determination to get the job done, Callahan has
played an instrumental role in generating high-profile media placements that feature Komen's senior leadership. In 2006, Callahan helped orchestrate segments on Komen's CEO on
"The Today Show," Komen's senior clinical advisor on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and a print feature on Komen's founder, Nancy G. Brinker, in Women's Health and Fitness magazine.
Effective Manager
Callahan, who oversees a staff of eight communications professionals, is a leader who is known for inspiring those around her to aim high. Says Dawn Kahle, SVP of Weber
Shandwick, the PR firm that has worked with Komen for the Cure on a number of initiatives, "Emily has brought together an integrated team across her organization to ensure that
Komen's key messages are delivered in every facet of communications. She has built credibility and support among all departments in order to achieve stellar results."
In The Pink
2006 was a banner year for Callahan. She inaugurated a new breast awareness program, entitled Passionately Pink for the Cure, which resulted in raising a total of $3 million,
double the original goal. She also organized a satellite media tour with TV actress Kate Walsh (formerly of "Grey's Anatomy" now on "Private Practice") and Nancy G. Brinker, which
reached 75,000 viewers in 22 markets and helped enroll 70,000 people in the Passionately Pink for the Cure program.
Not All Work
Lest anyone think that Callahan embodies the all work and no play adage, she is actively involved as a volunteer in several ventures outside of her job. At the University of
North Texas, Callahan teaches a graduate public relations class; she also donates some free time as a Sunday school teacher and youth group assistant at her church.