The Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has selected Gina Russo, who has a background in steering charitable organizations involved in cancer patient assistance, to become the next executive director. Russo takes over a role that CAN Emeritus executive director Peter Fleiss has been handling on an interim basis. Fleiss will continue to work with the organization through the transition of the new leadership.

Russo, who has an undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and master’s in social work from New York University, previously served as executive director of the Cancer Support Team in Purchase, N.Y., where she managed the development, operations, fundraisings and community relations for the organization. She also spent 11 years with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in White Plains, N.Y., most recently as executive director of Access & Education. In that role she managed the strategic direction of an expanded healthcare professional and patient education portfolio.

“The Board is delighted that Gina will be lending her talents to supporting the transportation needs of cancer patients and growing and streamlining CAN’s day-to-day operations,” said CAN chairman Randall Greene. Based at Westchester County Airport, CAN arranges free transportation for cancer patients aboard corporate jets, by matching empty seats with patient destination requests. The organization, which has facilitated nearly 50,000 flights since 1981, arranges about 225 patient flights each month.