Shane Jacobson is the CEO of both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Jacobson is a dynamic, visionary leader who has dedicated his career to fueling nonprofit impact and driving growth. As CEO and alongside the ACS Board of Directors, he is charged with guiding both organizations – and their more than 3,000 team members and 1.3 million volunteers – toward a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Since 1946, the ACS is the largest non-government, non-profit funder of cancer research in the United States. The ACS team impacts over 100 million lives annually through its research, advocacy, and patient support activities. This includes programs such as a 24/7 helpline, transportation, and lodging, as well as broader impact through advocating for policies to fight cancer.

With more than two decades of nonprofit experience, including 15 years in nonprofit executive management, Jacobson has a history of leading organizations to achieve record-setting results and mission-driven outcomes. He comes to ACS most recently from the V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he has served as CEO since 2021 and led a team focused on accelerating game-changing research and funding top scientists. Jacobson received his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy and his B.A. in Communications Studies from Iowa State University. He also completed the Management Development Program at Harvard University Graduate School of Education.