Cancer Support Community Welcomes New Leadership For 2025

Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley has appointed longtime Board member Serge Melkizian as its new Board President, succeeding Brad Talt after his successful tenure leading the organization through significant growth.

The nonprofit said under Talt’s leadership, Cancer Support Community SGV completed a capital campaign that raised over $3.8 million to purchase and renovate a permanent facility in Sierra Madre in 2023. The organization also expanded its Benefactors Society and achieved record-breaking program participation in 2024, according to a statement released by the group.

“As we look ahead to 2025, Cancer Support Community remains committed to expanding our reach and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone,” said Melkizian. “Our focus will be on deepening our impact in under-resourced communities of color, where healthcare inequities persist, and cancer rates remain disproportionately high.”

Melkizian currently is President of Quintus Investment Counsel, a boutique financial consultancy in Pasadena, and a Financial Advisor with Raymond James.

The organization also announced the addition of three new Board members for 2025: Elliot Sainer, Ron Valenta, and Kristin Windell. These appointments follow three Board members who joined in 2024: Jay Wagener, Mark Meahl and Charlotte Streng.

“Our new Board members bring invaluable expertise that will amplify our impact,” said Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community SGV.

She also expressed gratitude for Brad Talt’s leadership, “which has strengthened our ability to serve those facing cancer.”

Sainer brings over 16 years of experience serving on healthcare service boards and was previously the Co-Founder of Aspen Education Group. Valenta, an executive with five decades in corporate development and private equity, is a significant benefactor of Loyola Marymount University, and has supported the organization since 2008.

Windell, a television director, contributes expertise in storytelling and media outreach while serving on multiple committees within the organization, including Marketing/Outreach, Resource Development, and Planned Giving Committees.

Established in 1990, Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley provides evidence-based knowledge and professionally led psychosocial emotional support and activities as a proven method to enhance medical outcomes.

The nonprofit connects thousands of participants annually with support groups led by medical professionals, educational workshops presented by medical experts, and healthy lifestyle classes. All programs and services are free of charge.

For more information, visit https://www.cancersupportsgv.org/.