Cancer Support Community Pasadena Announces New Executive Director

Cancer Support Community Pasadena (“CSCP”) has announced the selection of Meg Symes as its new executive director. Symes will fill the vacancy created by Ben Green’s departure.

Symes has served as CSCP’s Director of Major Gifts and Special Events for the organization since 2011.

“We are excited to have Meg assume this leadership position. Meg is passionate about CSCP’s mission and works tirelessly on behalf of the organization. She is well known and well-loved in the community and is, quite frankly, ‘the face of CSCP’ in the community,” remarks Tom Daly, Board President.

Symes is a life-long resident of Pasadena.She received her Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences in 1983 from the University of California, Berkeley. Married to John Symes for 30 years, she and John are the proud parents of Katie (28), Sarah (26) and Jack (22). After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she was asked to join CSCP’s Board of Directors and served from 2010 to 2011. So passionate about the organization, Meg resigned from the Board to accept a development position at CSCP in 2011.

As Director of Major Gifts and Special Events, Meg has been instrumental in growing the organization’s base of supporters. Through CSCP’s annual events, including Angel Gala, Poker Bowl, Ladies Night Out and a Holiday Boutique/Luncheon (the latter two which she created), Meg has increased fundraising revenue to record levels. She also founded a volunteer Guild to assist with raising funds for CSCP, which has grown to 80+ volunteers. In addition to her events fundraising, Meg has been the lead contact with several area foundations who are active and generous supporters of CSCP, and she has also played a valuable role in board member recruitment for CSCP.

“I am thrilled to continue to serve CSCP in this new capacity. I look forward to continuing to expand the organization’s reach and serve more men, women and children impacted by cancer, so that no one faces cancer alone,“ says Symes.

Founded in 1990, Cancer Support Community Pasadena is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free support, education and hope to individuals impacted by cancer. http://www.cscpasadena.org/