Longtime Nonprofit Leader Named Executive Director of Susan G. Komen South Florida

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – October 11, 2017 – Susan G. Komen South Florida, the leader in the fight against breast cancer, is proud to announce the addition of Kate Watt as Executive Director. Kate, a highly effective, results driven and accomplished nonprofit executive, has over sixteen years of nonprofit experience and a proven ability to develop, manage and engage community based partners, local government entities, elected officials and other stakeholders, all which will be key in helping the organization meet strategic goals.

In this new role, Watt will oversee the organization’s efforts to raise funds and invest grant dollars to better the lives of those living with breast cancer in our community through education and access to care. Through events like the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, the South Florida Affiliate hasinvested $16.2 million in community breast health programs in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stays in the South Florida area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research.

Kate Watt, executive director of Susan G. Komen South Florida

Prior to joining the Komen South Florida Affiliate, Kate was Chief Development Officer for the Urban League of Palm Beach County a 44-year-old organization dedicated to assisting African Americans and other minorities in the achievement of social and economic equality. She was responsible for the Urban League’s fundraising strategies, marketing, public relations, strategic planning and development activities. Kate began her career at the National Alliance for Youth Sports with the Hook A Kid On Golf program where she wasinstrumental in introducing thousands of minority youth across North America to the game of golf.

 Kate is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is a frequent speaker on the topics of fundraising and public relations. She currently serves as a board member for the Palm Beach County Chapter of AFP as co-chair of membership. She is a member of Leadership Palm Beach County’s Class of 2018 as well as was a member of the National Urban League Emerging Leaders class of 2011 and the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Emerging Leaders class of 2012. 

 Kate also believes deeply in giving back to the community that she grew up in and has been involved with the Binks Forest Elementary PTA; has been Co-Chair of the Business Partners Committee for Timber Trace Elementary; PTA member for 9 years; and is a former Board Member for Junior Achievement of Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast. 

She was raised in Palm Beach County where she graduated from the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts and earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. Kate lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband Andrew Watt and is raising three beautiful children Ethan, 13, Reese, 8 and Ainsley 2.

About Susan G. Komen and Komen South Florida

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen South Florida is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, Komen South Florida has invested over $14 million in community breast health programs in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties and has helped contribute to the more than $920 million invested globally in research.