PAUL PURDY | PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Paul Purdy
National Director, Endurance Events & Network Fundraising, American Cancer Society

After 17 years at the American Cancer Society, Paul Purdy is personally responsible for raising more than $24 million for cancer research annually. Purdy’s advocacy work began in college, and he brought his passion back to his hometown of Pittsburgh in 2015.

Purdy pours his time into several ACS fundraisers, namely Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Men Wear Pink and Coaches vs. Cancer. His passion for cycling sparked a particular interest in the ACS Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a four-day bicycle trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati; Purdy helped grow this fundraiser from a community ride with 250 participants to a nationally recognized initiative bringing in more than $1 million annually.

Purdy also holds a passion for theater, media and the arts and holds leadership roles with Attack Theatre, WESA/WYEP Public Radio, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.