Toronto, Canada – 11 December 2024 – The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition [Coalition] is delighted to announce Robin Cohen, CEO and Co-Founder of the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Robin, a longstanding advocate and leader in the global ovarian cancer community, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role as the Coalition continues its work to improve survival and quality of life for everyone impacted by ovarian cancer worldwide.
Robin Cohen is an accomplished leader in the ovarian cancer space. She is a past Vice-Chair of the Coalition and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Oversight Committee for the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition, which has amplified voices from underserved regions and provided critical insights into disparities in care. At the helm of the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Robin has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in advocacy and support. Her contributions to the field have been widely recognised; she was named one of the 75 Greatest Living Philadelphians and the 2022 Be Well Philly Health Hero.
Robin is also a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, and the Cambridge Who’s Who. She currently serves as Secretary of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Board and has previously served on the board of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
Speaking about her new role, Robin said: “It’s an honour to take on this responsibility at such a critical juncture. Guided by the exceptional leadership of past chairs Elisabeth Baugh and Annwen Jones OBE, the Coalition is uniquely positioned to address the challenges ahead.
Our 2023–2028 strategy, From Evidence to Action, serves as our bold roadmap for progress. At its heart is our unwavering commitment to equity, awareness, and improved care for all women affected by ovarian cancer. Together, with our expanded Board and global partners, we will turn evidence into action to ensure no woman is left behind.”
The leadership transition comes as the Coalition embarks on a new phase of growth and impact, with Elisabeth Baugh, taking on the Vice-Chair role and an expanded Board that welcomes Julie Torode, PhD, and Dave Powers. They join existing members Past-Chair Annwen Jones OBE, Tammy Brown (Treasurer), Runcie CW Chidebe, Rafe Sadnan Adel, and past Vice-Chair Jane Hill.
Clara MacKay, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, welcomed the appointment: “Robin’s leadership and passion for advocacy make her uniquely suited to guide the Coalition through this next chapter. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by women with this disease aligns perfectly with our vision to create a world where every one living with, or at risk of ovarian cancer, has the best chance of survival, and best quality of life possible, no matter where they live. With Robin as Chair, supported by our remarkable Board, I am confident that we will continue to achieve impactful progress for women and their families.”
This leadership transition marks a moment of opportunity for the Coalition, which is set to build on its ambitious initiatives. Recent projects such as the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition and the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer study are poised to deliver vital insights to inform advocacy and policy change.
About the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Founded in 2016, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is the only global not-for-profit dedicated exclusively to ovarian cancer. Partnering with over 200 advocacy organisations worldwide, the Coalition is committed to ensuring that everyone impacted by ovarian cancer has the best possible chance of survival and quality of life, regardless of where they live.
The Coalition builds on the success of initiatives like World Ovarian Cancer Day (2013) and the Every Woman Study™ (2018). In 2022, the Coalition, in partnership with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, expanded its reach with the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition, covering 22 countries, with findings presented at the 2024 IGCS Annual Meeting. Recently, the Coalition completed the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries Study, exploring the economic impact on healthcare systems and individuals affected by ovarian cancer. Publications from this research are expected in 2025.
For more information, contact:
Phaedra Charlton
Director of Communications and Marketing
World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
phaedra@worldovariancancercoalition.org