Horizons CEO Diane Fletcher announces retirement

ALBANY — Horizons Community Solutions, formerly the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, officially announced Thursday that CEO Diane Fletcher will retire effective Oct. 1.

Jennifer Johnston, currently Horizons’ chief financial officer and chief operating officer, has been appointed interim CEO and will assume that role upon Fletcher’s departure while preparations for a nationwide search for a new CEO are underway.

“It’s been an honor and joy to be part of this work, and I’m confident Horizons will continue to be successful for many years to come,” Fletcher said in a statement.

Fletcher came to south Georgia in 2005 to be the first CEO of the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. It later became the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, and adopted the Horizons name last year.

“We are grateful for Diane’s long and very productive service to the people of our region as CEO,” Ann Addison, interim chair for Horizons’ Board of Directors, said.

During Fletcher’s tenure, the Cancer Coalition became nationally recognized for its success in improving cancer prevention, early detection and control. She helped the organization transition into Horizons.

The organization’s accomplishments during that time include:

— A four-star rating by Charity Navigator;

— A community cancer screening program recognized as a national best practice by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’

— Obesity prevention research in collaboration with the Emory Prevention Research Center;

— A patient assistance program;

— Leadership of statewide health initiatives and hundreds of collaborative partnerships to provide diverse services, programs and studies.

Jennifer Parks