Staff
Barbara A. Brenner, J.D., Executive Director
Barbara A. Brenner is a tireless activist who believes that everyone can-and is needed to-make a difference in ending the breast cancer epidemic. Her passion is contagious, and her effectiveness as a leader of the breast cancer movement is demonstrated in the growth and achievements of Breast Cancer Action since she took the helm as executive director in September 1995. Barbara joined the board of Breast Cancer Action (BCA) in September 1994, one year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1996, Barbara had a local recurrence of breast cancer, which resulted in a mastectomy.
Barbara is highly sought after by the national media, and has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, ABC News, and CBS Evening News. She is co-author of the chapter, "Cancers," in Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause (The Boston Women's Health Book Collective, 2006). She is also the author of the chapter, "Sister Support: Women Create a Breast Cancer Movement," in Breast Cancer: Society Shapes an Epidemic (Palgrave, 2000).
She holds a bachelor's degree in government from Smith College and a law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.
Barbara is an inspirational speaker about breast cancer and the movement and how people can get involved to steer the tide of the disease. She is available to speak to your organization.
Joyce Bichler, Deputy Director
Joyce is responsible for seeing that all BCA departments are working well together and ensuring that BCA has the program and administrative capacity to accomplish its mission and vision. She is involved in implementing the BCA strategic plan and works closely with the Executive Director in support of the program, administrative, finance, and human resource functions of the organization.
A cancer survivor and lifelong activist, Joyce, who has a Master of Social Work Degree, brings to BCA strong leadership skills and an impressive background in cancer support and not-for-profit management. She is the author of Joyce Bichler: DES Daughter, which details her cancer experience and how she confronted the pharmaceutical industry.
Caitlin Carmody, Office Assistant
Caitlin works part-time assisting the development department with gift processing and acknowledgments, data entry, and event planning. Additionally, she assists with database management and general office duties. She continues to work as a Program Organizer for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area part-time.
Vidita Chopra, Communications Associate
Vidita is the eyes and ears for BCA, scanning the media for current events in the breast cancer industry. She tracks new developments at the FDA keeping everyone up to date on emerging cancer therapies and drugs. She reviews relevant online publications, as well as interprets scientific papers of interest to BCA staff and members. She also provides developmental and communications support. Vidita holds a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Studio Art from Franklin and Marshall College, PA. She loves music and singing is her favorite hobby.
Zoe Christopher, Office Manager and Resource Liason
Zoe provides general support to the BCA staff by managing the day-to-day operations of the office. In addition, she responds to requests for information regarding detection, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer; supervises office volunteers; and assists the executive director.
Sarah Harding, Development Manager
Sarah manages the Office Assistant in development-related and membership services. She is responsible for recruiting and supervising development volunteers and supports the Development Director in the planning and implementation of fundraising campaigns, coordination of house parties, special events and benefits, responding to calls from donors, and preparing requests and reports to foundations.
Amy L. Harris, Development Director
Amy is responsible for overseeing a multi-faceted fundraising program, and for planning, developing, and maintaining strategies to meet BCA's financial goals. She is responsible for planning and coordinating various fundraising campaigns, building relationships and communicating with individual donors, foundation program officers, and corporate funders. Amy supervises a full-time development associate, and a part time grantwriter, and works in concert with the Board Development Committee as well as other volunteers and staff.
Alicia Harris, Program Associate
Alicia assists in planning and implementing BCA's campaigns, as well as coordinating volunteers and engaging members in our work. She works closely with the Program Manager to foster and build our grassroots activities, helps represent BCA on coalitions, and coordinates educational presentations. Alicia holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Vassar College and previously worked with organizations focusing on environmental justice, women's health and creating safe spaces for youth.