A Cyclone is leading the charge to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Shane Jacobson (’03, ’08) will soon wrap his first year with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). With a research portfolio of more than $500 million, the ACS is the nation’s largest funder of cancer research outside the federal government, and Jacobson is responsible for guiding the ACS and ACS CAN in efforts across strategic planning, research, fundraising, policy, and stakeholder engagement. It’s a role that reflects his lifelong passion for advancing and turning mission into impact.
“In the state of Iowa, the ACS has funded more than $36 million in research grants to nearly 300 research investigators,” says Jacobson, who grew up in Webster City and earned degrees in communication studies and educational leadership.
The ACS also works to provide patient support; Jacobson says that 128,000 Iowans were directly impacted by ACS community programs last year. Nationally, the ACS operates 31 Hope Lodge communities, including the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City, to offer free, “home-away-from-home” housing for thousands of patients and their families every years, and provides free rides for patients to and from their treatments through the ACS Road To Recovery program.
What led you to your role as CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network?
The American Cancer Society is where science meets patients, and I knew I wanted to lead at that intersection. I believe we are in a position to truly bend the arc of cancer like no other and shape the future of cancer and the cancer landscape to save more lives. So, when considering the opportunity and recognizing that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” we will beat cancer, I felt the opportunity to serve as CEO — and do everything I can to shorten the distance between that “if” and “when” moment — was significant because it touches every household in America.
What advice would you share with others who are interested in working in the nonprofit space?
Lead with your ears. Nonprofits provide support for communities; they provide needed services, funding, research, and advocacy. By really listening to stakeholders and communicating effectively, you can create meaningful impact. As a result, you will be a force multiplier and drive systems-level change.
Is there a specific lesson from Iowa State that you often reference?
I often think back to what I learned in my communications studies major; in particular, the program and program faculty taught me the importance of clarity in communications. It’s not just a skill; as the result of clarity, we can save time. I think about that a lot because in my work, in the areas of health care and cancer research, time saves lives.
You have stayed involved with Iowa State; what does the university mean to you?
I love Iowa State. The university has a strong culture of innovation and leadership, and to me, innovation is all about turning brilliant ideas into real-world outcomes. In my work, that means real impact for cancer patients. Iowa State’s commitment to innovation and the pursuit of what’s possible produces alumni who add a lot of value to their communities and the larger world. And that means Iowa Staters are shaping the future.
