In August, Sharita Lang joined the staff of the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation as Associate Executive Director with the plan to transition into the Executive Director role in January 2023.

The Foundation has grown in many ways since its inception in 1995. What began as a family searching for resources for their son after his diagnosis became a fundraising Foundation with a dedicated group of volunteers. A Board was formed from those volunteers and for many years the SBTF relied on the time and services of its Board members to plan and host the Race for Research.

However, as the needs of the Foundation grew along with its impact on brain tumor research, it became evident the Foundation required assistance. Geri Shaffer became the first part-time paid employee in 2012 and a life-saver for the SBTF. She has become the face of the Foundation and the backbone of our continued growth. With her leadership, the SBTF has expanded to offer Scholarships, Patient Programs, additional Support Groups, and continues to fund important brain tumor research.

Since then the Foundation has added a second part-time employee to assist with events, Joy Basham. Joy has been instrumental in the growth and success of both the Muddy Duck Dash and the Race for Research.

The Foundation is excited to announce that, thanks to the hard work by those two ladies and the SBTF’s Board, the Foundation is again ready to grow. Sharita Lang began her position as Associate Executive Director on August 8, 2022 and will transition into Geri’s role of Executive Director in January of 2023. Geri will stay active with the Foundation, focusing on our Support Groups in a limited capacity.

Sharita Lang has been instrumental in garnering change for organizations for over the last 20 years. Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in public administration, she has utilized her expertise to reshape the foundations of organizations to ensure their success and the accomplishments of those they serve. Sharita’s life was transformed early by the diagnosis of a close relative similarly to all of those who serve on the SBTF Board of Directors. Dedicated to continuing the excellent reputation of the SBTF, Sharita is committed to keeping the mission of offering Support, Hope, and Courage while together we find a cure for all diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Please help us in welcoming Sharita Lang to the brain tumor community and to the SBTF. She will be present at the Race for Research, come say hello!