GO2 for Lung Cancer names David Benson as CEO

GO2 for Lung Cancer has appointed David Benson as chief executive officer, tapping a cancer-care executive with more than 27 years of leadership experience. The move comes as the nonprofit looks to expand research, advocacy, screening access and patient support for people affected by lung cancer.

Why it matters: - David Benson will lead GO2 for Lung Cancer as the nonprofit pushes to improve survival and quality of life for people at risk for or living with lung cancer. - The appointment adds an executive with deep fundraising, operations and partnership experience to an organization focused on research, advocacy, screening access and patient support.

What happened: - GO2 for Lung Cancer announced Aug. 3, 2026, that David Benson is its new chief executive officer. - The Washington, D.C.-based national nonprofit said Benson will help guide the organization’s next phase of growth. - GO2 Board President Rick Sherlock said Benson’s leadership style and cancer-care background make him the right person to lead the organization’s next chapter.

The details: - Benson has more than 27 years of executive leadership experience in patient-centered cancer care. - Before joining GO2, Benson was executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. - At the American Cancer Society, Benson led one of the organization’s largest regional operations across 17 states. - His responsibilities included fundraising, operations and volunteer engagement. - Under Benson’s leadership, the American Cancer Society strengthened corporate alliances, expanded fundraising initiatives and secured major philanthropic investments that generated hundreds of millions of dollars. - Those funds supported patients, caregivers, research, advocacy and cancer prevention efforts. - Benson worked with volunteers, corporate leaders, philanthropists, healthcare organizations and community partners to expand patient support programs and accelerate research. - Benson earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. - Benson also holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and religion from St. Olaf College.

Between the lines: - GO2 is signaling that its priorities remain broad but focused: research, advocacy, screening and practical support for patients and families. - Benson’s background suggests the organization is looking for a leader who can pair mission work with fundraising and partnership-building. - Rick Sherlock’s comments frame the hire as both a continuity move and a growth move for the nonprofit.

What's next: - Benson said he plans to build on GO2’s foundation and expand the organization’s reach. - GO2 will continue working to ensure people affected by lung cancer have access to the support and resources they need. - The organization is expected to lean on partnerships, advocacy and research as it executes under new leadership.

The bottom line: - GO2 for Lung Cancer is bringing in a seasoned cancer nonprofit executive to help scale its mission at a time when access to screening, care and support remains critical.