CHICAGO, IL — May 28, 2025 — The American Cancer Society (ACS) in Illinois is proud to announce the appointment of Carlos Cata, Managing Partner, Caldwell Chicago, as Chair and Amanda Rigby, Sr. Managing Director & Global Forensic & Investigations Leader, Teneo, as Vice Chair. Cata and Rigby bring invaluable expertise, influence, and passion to the fight against cancer to help advance our mission: to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support—and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
“This is a very exciting and critical time for ACS in Illinois, as we embark on a priority project of someday bringing a Hope Lodge to Chicago, so cancer patients and their caregivers have a free place to stay while being treated at some of the best cancer centers in the country,” said Michael Ziener, Vice President for Illinois at the American Cancer Society. “Funding our cancer research programs and prioritizing health equity is and will always remain top priority on this board. I am thrilled to work with Carlos and Amanda, as they bring their executive leadership to our IL Area Board, one of the strongest in the country.”
This year, the new findings show the cancer mortality rate declined by 34% from 1991 to 2022 in the United States. However, the US is projected to surpass 2 million new cancer diagnoses for the first time—roughly 5,500 new cases daily—underscoring the urgency of the Society’s work. While the cancer death rate has declined over the past three decades—saving approximately 4 million lives—incidence rates are rising for several common cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma. Women under 50 are increasingly affected, with cancer incidence rates 82% higher than in men of the same age group.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the new Board Chair of the American Cancer Society,” said Cata. “This organization’s unwavering commitment to improving and saving lives through research, advocacy, and patient support is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated volunteers, staff, and partners to drive progress and ensure that no one faces cancer alone.”
We are thrilled that Cata and Rigby are both bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation that aligns with our mission. Their ongoing commitment and professional strengths will help drive forward the critical work of ACS across Illinois.
Together, the two dedicated leaders will support the Society’s efforts to ensure no one faces cancer on their own. Their service reflects a commitment to changing the future of this terrible disease and helping ACS fulfill its vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Find the full announcement here.
