SC Cancer Alliance announces new Chief Executive Officer Nicole Echols

The South Carolina Cancer Alliance announced the appointment of Nicole Echols as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Echols brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, she served as Director of External Affairs at HopeHealth, where she led efforts to strengthen relationships with key community, corporate, and governmental partners. Her extensive background in nonprofit operations and her ability to build meaningful alliances have earned her a reputation as a passionate and effective leader.

We are thrilled to welcome her as our new Chief Executive Officer, said Karen Wickersham, SC Cancer Alliance Board Chair. “Her passion, experience, and statewide relationships will be key to expanding our reach and impact in the fight against cancer.”

Throughout her career, Echols has received numerous accolades, including the Florence Young Professional of the Year and Black Pages Top 40 Under 40 in 2015, and the prestigious Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership in 2019. In 2024, she was named the Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Community Health Centers.

She holds leadership roles on several boards and councils, including Women in Philanthropy, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), Pee Dee First Steps, the Truist Advisory Board, and Together SC. Echols is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a past president of the Junior League of Florence. She contributes her expertise on advisory boards such as the Duke Energy Advisory Board and the MUSC Patient Advisory Council.

“Cancer is something that affects nearly every family in South Carolina,” said Echols. “The SC Cancer Alliance plays a vital role in easing that burden through prevention, early detection, and access to care. I’m honored to serve as Chief Executive Officer and to lead this important work as we continue to expand our reach and impact across the state.”

The South Carolina Cancer Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all South Carolinians. Through collaborative partnerships and strategic initiatives, the Alliance works to prevent cancer, improve early detection, and support access to high-quality care across the state. To learn more, visit www.SCCancer.org.