Cancer Support Community Arizona is stepping into its next era with a new CEO who knows how to scale impact without losing the human side of the work.
Kristen L. Genovese has been named chief executive officer, bringing more than 28 years of experience across behavioral health, nonprofit leadership, and whole-person care. Her focus is straightforward but ambitious: expand access to evidence-based emotional and social support programs for Arizonans navigating cancer.
“I’m honored to join a team that meets people in one of life’s most difficult moments,” says Genovese. “CSCAZ has built strong trust across Arizona, and my focus is on expanding access statewide, strengthening sustainability and removing barriers so patients and caregivers can quickly find the support they need. Cancer is hard, but finding support shouldn’t be.”
Genovese’s background reads like a blueprint for growth. She has secured more than $20 million in public funding, led major capital campaigns, and built partnerships that connect healthcare, government, and philanthropy. She also brings experience in board governance and long-range planning, which tends to matter when an organization is trying to grow without stretching itself thin.
Before stepping into this role, she led notMYkid through a period of expansion, including its 25th anniversary milestone. Prior to that, she spent nearly two decades at Community Bridges, Inc., helping shape its community-facing work across Arizona.
She’s also picked up recognition along the way, including Outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal and Scottsdale All-Star honors from the City of Scottsdale. Impressive, yes, but the real story is how that experience translates into access for people who actually need support.
And that’s where CSCAZ comes in. The organization already delivers more than 100 free programs each month, from bilingual support groups and resource navigation to nutrition education, expressive arts, and youth and family programming. The throughline is simple: no one should have to navigate cancer alone, and support should not feel complicated to find.
Genovese’s approach leans into that idea. Less friction, more access, and a wider reach across the state. It’s not a reinvention, it’s an expansion with intention.
Insider Takeaways
- Kristen L. Genovese brings 28 years of experience in behavioral health and nonprofit leadership.
- She has secured more than $20 million in funding and led major growth initiatives.
- CSCAZ offers more than 100 free programs monthly for patients, families, and caregivers. Services include bilingual support groups, nutrition education, and expressive arts.
- The focus moving forward is expanding access and removing barriers to support.
To learn more, visit cscaz.org.
