Former United Way Executive VP named president and CEO of Susan G. Komen San Diego

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — Former United Way of San Diego County Executive Vice President Shaina Gross is the new president and CEO of Susan G. Komen San Diego, the breast cancer nonprofit announced Wednesday.

Gross succeeded Laura Farmer Sherman on Tuesday. Farmer Sherman led the Komen organization for a decade.

"Given the uncertainty and turmoil in health care today — especially for the uninsured and underinsured — the board chose a leader with vision and the skill set to lead change in a tumultuous time,” said Linda Amaro, chairwoman of the Komen San Diego Board of Directors. "Shaina has an impressive track record of strategic, philanthropic and programmatic accomplishments.”

Gross, who worked at the United Way for 11 years, was in charge of grants, donor relations and community assessments.

"I am looking forward to working with the Komen San Diego board, staff and partners to serve the women and families of our community,” Gross said.

"Together, we will continue to achieve our mission of saving lives by meeting the most critical needs in San Diego County and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

Farmer Sherman announced her retirement in January, and it becomes effective at the end of this year. The breast cancer survivor will maintain an advisory role with Komen until then.