Press Releases
ATLANTA, June 24, 2025 – The American Cancer Society (ACS) today announces the appointment of Phyllis Harris as chief legal and risk officer of ACS, effective June 23. In this role, Harris will serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the Executive Team. She will oversee all legal matters affecting ACS and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), ACS’ advocacy affiliate. She will help shape and maintain policies, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while managing legal risk and advancing the ACS mission.
“Harris is a transformational leader with a clear dedication to the ACS mission,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “With more than 30 years in the public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, Harris brings deep legal expertise and executive leadership experience.”
Prior to joining ACS, Harris served as the Director of Environmental Assurance at Amazon, where she developed and implemented a global environmental compliance strategy for the company’s store operations. She also held the position of General Counsel, Chief Ethics Officer, and Chief Compliance and Government Relations Officer at the American Red Cross. Additionally, Harris has had various legal roles at Walmart and spent nearly 20 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“I am deeply honored to join the American Cancer Society as chief legal and risk officer and become part of an esteemed organization that plays a vital role in preventing cancer, advancing groundbreaking research, and advocating on behalf of millions of patients and their families, said Harris. “The Society’s values of courage, determination, diversity, compassion, and integrity reflect the values that I hold most dear, and I look forward to contributing to this vital mission.”
Harris has served on numerous boards and notably became the first African American board chair of Converse College, her undergraduate alma mater. She received her JD from the University of Florida.
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.