Kathy Bressler, president of St. Clare Hospital, which is part of the Franciscan Health System, has been named president of the board of directors of the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Bressler’s two-year term began on April 1, 2014.

“Everyone who knows Kathy Bressler is inspired and energized by her spirit,” said David Richart, Komen Puget Sound executive director. “She is a model leader and brings an impressive list of professional accomplishments to the critical role of board president”.

“I am honored to have this amazing opportunity to be involved in the important and life-changing work that is the mission of the Komen organization,” Bressler said. “I am passionate about finding a cure for this disease and helping women become more proactive about protecting their health.”

Bressler has served as president of Franciscan Health System’s Lakewood hospital since September 2006. A registered nurse who joined the Franciscan organization about 24 years ago, she has managed emergency services, medical-surgical services, the Ambulatory Care Center and burn-treatment services at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, as well as Franciscan’s comprehensive orthopedic and gastrointestinal services.

Since its founding in 1993, Komen Puget Sound has grown to become the fifth largest among 120 local Komen Affiliates across the country. During this time, the affiliate has raised and invested nearly $25 million to fight breast cancer; 75 percent of these funds have been invested locally towards providing the Puget Sound community with breast health education, screening and treatment support. Twenty-five percent of these funds have gone straight to global research into improved detection and treatment of breast cancer, and to ultimately curing this disease. To learn more about Komen Puget Sound, please go to komenpugetsound.org.