15 Years of Leadership. 15 Years of Impact. One Mission to End Cancer as We Know It, for Everyone.

On October 7, an extraordinary group of business and community leaders gathered at the home of Joe and Kim Koenig to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 15th anniversary of the American Cancer Society's CEOs Against Cancer St. Louis Chapter.

It was an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, friendship, and a shared commitment to a mission that has united some of the region's most influential leaders for more than a decade.

But this celebration was about much more than marking 15 years. It was about recognizing what can happen when leaders look beyond their own organizations, unite around a common purpose, and use their influence to change lives.

A Vision That Started 15 Years Ago

In 2011, two respected St. Louis business leaders, Warner Baxter and the late George Paz, helped establish the St. Louis CEOs Against Cancer Chapter with a powerful vision: bring together the region's top executives to leverage their leadership, companies, employees, and resources in the fight against cancer.

Their belief was simple. Business leaders have an extraordinary ability to create change, and when that influence is directed toward a mission as important as ending cancer, the possibilities are limitless.

What began as a vision has grown into a thriving network of CEOs and senior executives representing many of St. Louis' leading organizations.

Over the past 15 years, Chapter members have demonstrated that corporate leadership can extend far beyond the boardroom. It can provide hope to patients, support families during their most difficult moments, expand access to lifesaving resources, and inspire thousands of employees to become part of something bigger than themselves.

Celebrating the Power of Collective Impact

Throughout the evening, Chapter members and guests reflected on the relationships, milestones, and meaningful moments that have defined the Chapter's history.

From supporting the American Cancer Society's World Wide Technology Hope Lodge in St. Louis to championing signature fundraising events, advancing workplace wellness, and engaging employees in volunteerism and advocacy, Chapter members have helped strengthen the American Cancer Society's impact across the region.

The Chapter's influence is visible in the thousands of patients and families who have received support, the generosity of corporate partners, and the countless employees who have stepped forward to make a difference.

Perhaps one of the greatest accomplishments of the past 15 years is the culture of collaboration that has been created. Competitors have become partners. Professional relationships have developed into lasting friendships. And individual commitments have grown into a collective movement dedicated to improving lives.

Honoring the Leaders Who Made It Possible

The anniversary celebration was also an opportunity to recognize the many individuals who have helped shape the Chapter into what it is today.

Special appreciation goes to Warner Baxter and the late George Paz, whose founding vision created the foundation for 15 years of meaningful impact.

We also recognize the Chapter Chairs, Executive Liaisons, and dedicated members who have continued to build upon that foundation, giving generously of their time, expertise, resources, and leadership.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Joe and Kim Koenig for graciously opening their home and hosting such a meaningful evening. Their hospitality provided the perfect setting to celebrate the relationships and shared purpose that make this Chapter so special.

The Next Chapter Starts Now

While the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the past, it also served as a reminder that our work is far from finished.

Cancer continues to affect families, workplaces, and communities every day. The need for strong leadership, innovation, investment, and collaboration has never been more important.

As the St. Louis CEOs Against Cancer Chapter looks toward its next 15 years, the opportunity is not simply to maintain what has been built, but to build upon it.

That means engaging more business leaders, activating more employees, expanding access to cancer prevention and early detection resources, supporting patients and caregivers, and creating new opportunities for companies to make a meaningful difference.

The next chapter will be defined by the same spirit that launched this movement in 2011: a belief that we can accomplish far more together than any one organization can accomplish alone.

Fifteen years ago, a group of leaders came together with a vision. Today, that vision has become a legacy of service, generosity, and hope.

And the most exciting part? The impact we will create together is still being written.

To every CEO Chapter member, Executive Liaison, founding leader, and partner who has been part of this journey: thank you for 15 incredible years of leadership and commitment to ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.