Colorectal Cancer Alliance names Kate Watt chief development officer

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has hired fundraising veteran Kate Watt as chief development officer to help grow support for research, patient services, advocacy and community programs. The move comes as colorectal cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50.

Why it matters: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is adding a senior fundraising leader as it pushes to expand research, patient support and advocacy. - Stronger development leadership can help the nonprofit raise more money for programs aimed at ending colorectal cancer.

What happened: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance named Kate Watt chief development officer. - Watt brings more than 20 years of nonprofit development experience. - The Alliance said Watt will help advance its mission to end colorectal cancer. - CEO Michael Sapienza said the appointment comes as colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50.

The details: - Watt most recently served as senior vice president of community development at Susan G. Komen. - At Komen, she led a national fundraising portfolio. - Watt also managed a team of more than 140 development professionals. - Her portfolio included major and planned giving, mid-level giving, foundations, peer-to-peer fundraising, signature events and community fundraising. - As chief development officer, Watt will lead fundraising strategy across four priorities: innovation, support, awareness and advocacy, and community. - Under innovation, the Alliance plans to expand philanthropic support for research and initiatives such as Project Cure CRC and KLEOS, an adaptive clinical trial platform for colorectal cancer. - Under support, the Alliance aims to grow resources for its patient and family programs, including its live helpline at 877-422-2030, screening education at getscreened.org and clinical trial support. - Under awareness and advocacy, the Alliance plans to strengthen policy work through initiatives such as LEAD FROM BEHIND and increased government funding. - Under community, the Alliance will mobilize survivors, families, caregivers and supporters through efforts such as the Walk to End Colon Cancer and End Colon Cancer Coast to Coast. - Watt also spent nine years with Komen in several leadership roles, including regional vice president and executive director for Komen Florida. - In that role, she helped lead the transition to a unified statewide affiliate. - Before Komen, Watt served as chief development officer for the Urban League of Palm Beach County. - Watt is a longtime member of the Junior League and previously chaired its State Public Affairs Committee. - Watt holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida.

Between the lines: - The Alliance is signaling that fundraising capacity is central to its next phase of growth. - The appointment blends revenue-building experience with a mission tied to research, patient navigation and public policy. - Watt’s background in large-scale fundraising teams suggests the Alliance wants to sharpen both donor growth and operational scale.

What's next: - Watt is expected to focus on maximizing fundraising to support the Alliance’s programs and campaigns. - The organization is directing supporters to donate or get involved at colorectalcancer.org. - The Alliance also continues to promote its helpline at (877) 422-2030 and its social channels for community engagement.

The bottom line: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is betting that deeper fundraising leadership will help speed progress against a disease that remains a major cancer killer for younger adults.