Komen founder Nancy Brinker stepping down in leadership shake-up

The founder and president of Susan G. Komen for the Cure are stepping down as part of a notable shuffling of the organization's leadership.

Founder and CEO Nancy Brinker, along with Komen President Liz Thompson, is leaving at the end of the month, the organization announced Wednesday. Brinker will continue working with the charity with an emphasis on fundraising and global strategy.

The major shake-up comes months after the charity was at the center of a public-relations storm. It announced in January that it would stop funding Planned Parenthood, citing a congressional investigation spurred by abortion opponents advocates. But just a few days later the foundation reversed course, in response to strong criticism, and decided to resume funding.

In a statement, Thompson said she was confident that the mission of the Komen foundation would continue without her. She said it was a "privilege" to serve the foundation.

"Komen today is on an excellent path to recovery, with the most dynamic scientific and community health programs of any breast cancer organization, a strong Affiliate network, and committed leadership in all of these areas to build on our strengths and mission," she said in a statement. "No other breast cancer organization does as much to help women and men through this disease — from screening to diagnosis to treatment and support all the while advancing research and policies that will ultimately bring us to cures."

Besides Thompson and Brinker, Komen board members Brenda Lauderback and Linda Law are stepping down from the board of directors.

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