Tricia Scannell Laursen is President and Executive Director of DetecTogether, a national nonprofit advancing a patient-powered approach to earlier cancer detection. DetecTogether equips people with the skills to recognize meaningful health changes, know when to seek care, and work effectively with healthcare providers toward a timely and accurate diagnosis, effective care, and the best possible outcomes.
Tricia joined DetecTogether shortly after its founding by Jim and Nancy Coghlin and their family in 2009. Inspired by their determination to address the devastating consequences of delayed cancer diagnosis, she helped transform an important insight into a growing movement: screening is essential and earlier detection also relies on individuals recognizing when something is not right and knowing how and when to act.
Drawing on three decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Tricia has led the development and expansion of 3 Steps Detect®, a practical, evidence-informed framework developed with guidance from DetecTogether’s medical advisors. It equips people with lifelong skills to recognize important health changes, seek care promptly, communicate clearly, and advocate for timely evaluation and appropriate follow-up.
Under her leadership, DetecTogether has evolved from an organization focused primarily on addressing this gap for teens and young adults into a scalable model serving people across the lifespan and reaching communities nationwide. Its programs and outreach initiatives now reach high school and college students, firefighters and first responders, employees, and community members through tailored live training, digital learning, train-the-trainer partnerships, and targeted social media campaigns that reinforce early detection skills and encourage earlier action. By working with schools, fire departments, employers, healthcare leaders, and community organizations, Tricia and the DetecTogether team are embedding these skills into the institutions and cultures that influence people’s everyday lives.
The impact extends beyond awareness to measurable action. In DetecTogether’s most recent long-term participant study, 94% reported at least one positive change in how they respond to health changes, seek care, or engage with healthcare providers following training. More than half—56%—had also encouraged someone else to seek medical care, extending the impact of the training to the people around them. Among those who noticed a concerning health change, 94% sought medical care, and 66% said 3 Steps Detect® contributed to an earlier evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Tricia’s leadership is distinguished by mission clarity, continual improvement, and a commitment to placing real people at the center of every strategy. She has helped build an organization in which survivors become advocates, educators bring early detection skills to their students, and firefighters teach fellow firefighters how to respond to cancer risk with the same readiness they bring to every emergency.
In 2025, Tricia was named Healthcare Innovator of the Year by the Massachusetts-based Worcester Business Journal for advancing a patient-powered approach to earlier cancer detection. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bentley University and an MBA from Clark University.
Her vision is ambitious and deeply practical: to make the skills, confidence, and support needed to act on potential cancer warning signs an advantage available to everyone.
Sean has been in the trucking and transportation industry for over 30 years and has helped build his company of semi-trailer dealerships, into an industry leader working with companies like Wegman’s Markets, Mondelez, and PepsiCo. After selling Northeast Great Dane to Cox Automotive in 2022, Sean continues to lead sales teams and is transitioning to lead as the Director of Enterprise Accounts.
As a two-time cancer survivor (Neuroblastoma and Leukemia), Sean knows how impactful the American Cancer Society is by raising money to fund research, provide patient support, and drive public advocacy. It’s why he has been on our Advisory Board for the last 8 years. He’s also seen many friends and family members affected by this disease and is committed to using this platform to advocate for early detection, and a proactive health outlook.
“Hearing the words “You have cancer”, is one of the scariest things you could hear in your lifetime. This incredible 113-year-old organization has created programs that give people hope, and for that reason, I’m proud to be a part of it”.
Sean met his wife, Penny, at Cornell University in 1991 and they have been married for almost 30 years. He and Penny are the proud parents of 2 wonderful daughters, Rachel (23) and Amanda (21).
Mark is a respected business leader with over 35 years of experience in the energy industry. Known for his strong leadership and his commitment to building people first organizations, he has spent his career developing talent and leading teams to success. Mark is currently Co-Founder and Principal of Rise Energy Services, LLC, an energy advisory firm he launched with his partner in 2021. He previously held senior executive roles at Hess Corporation and Direct Energy, where he led sales organizations across North America.
Mark’s commitment to the fight against cancer is deeply personal. Having lost both his father and his sister-in-law to the disease, he understands firsthand the toll it takes on families and remains dedicated to supporting the search for a cure.
He also gives generously of his time to other causes close to his heart. Mark has served as Board President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Mid Jersey Chapter and for many years chaired the annual New Jersey JDRF golf event.
Mark lives in Basking Ridge with his wife of 33 years, Lois. He is extremely proud of his two children, Claudia, 25, and Andrew, 23.
Tiki Barber is the co-host of Evan & Tiki, WFAN New York’s afternoon drive radio show. Since joining Audacy (formerly CBS Sports Radio) in 2013, he has hosted national midday and afternoon drive sports programs. During the NFL season, he also serves as a game analyst for CBS Sports.
Following his standout NFL career, Tiki built an impressive broadcasting portfolio across television and radio. His media work has included roles with WCBS New York, YES Network, Fox News (Fox & Friends), NBC’s Today Show and Football Night in America, as well as coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for MSNBC.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Tiki co-founded Julius, Inc. and Thuzio, Inc. alongside Mark Gerson and Jared Augustine. Both companies are now part of Triller Entertainment Co. Julius provides a SaaS platform for influencer discovery and procurement, while Thuzio is a networking and content company that produces live events spanning sports, culinary, and entertainment industries.
Committed to making a difference beyond the field and studio, Tiki serves on the board of KultureCity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to autism acceptance and inclusion. He also supports United for A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), a United Way of Northern New Jersey initiative that leverages data to help families facing the often-hidden challenges of financial insecurity.
A graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, Tiki earned his degree in 1997 with a concentration in Management Information Systems and was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.
Before launching his media and business ventures, Tiki spent ten seasons as a running back for the New York Giants. He retired from professional football in 2007 and was inducted as an inaugural member of the Giants Ring of Honor in 2010.
Tiki has also co-authored a series of children’s and young adult books with his twin brother, Ronde Barber.
Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD is President of Atlantic Brain and Spine and Chair of Neurosurgery at Morristown Medical Center. A fellowship-trained brain tumor and skull base neurosurgeon, Dr. Moshel specializes in the treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors using advanced microsurgical, minimally invasive, and endoscopic techniques. He leads a multidisciplinary brain tumor program committed to providing patients with the most advanced treatment options, including access to leading clinical trials.
In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Moshel is dedicated to advancing the field of neuro-oncology through research, education, and innovation. Known for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach, he combines surgical expertise with compassionate care, helping patients and their families navigate complex diagnoses with confidence and hope.
Dr. Richard “Richie” Suarez is board certified in pediatrics and is currently a second-year fellow in pediatric hematology/oncology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, ranked the number one pediatric cancer hospital in the country. He was born and raised in South Jersey and was diagnosed with leukemia at 18 years old, just before starting college. His treatment included two and a half years of chemotherapy, brain radiation, and bilateral hip replacements at age 20. Despite this, he returned to collegiate baseball, eventually earning national recognition for his comeback and resilience, including the Philadelphia Sports Writers’ Most Courageous Athlete Award and a cover feature in NCAA Champion magazine.
Richie earned his medical degree from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. He completed his residency in pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where he also served an additional fourth year as chief resident. His personal experience with cancer continues to shape his career as both a clinician and researcher. During residency, he conducted research on kidney injury in children with sickle cell disease, which he presented at national conferences. His current work at Cincinnati explores how the gut microbiome and systemic bacterial metabolites influence cancer outcomes and treatment resistance in children and young adults with cancer.
A dedicated speaker and advocate, Richie has addressed audiences across the country, including events for the American Red Cross, The Valerie Fund, Cancer for College, and the Patient Advocate Foundation. He has served as a master of ceremonies, keynote speaker, and panelist, sharing his story to raise funds, awareness, and support. Richie has also served on scholarship selection committees and mentored teens and young adults navigating cancer survivorship.
He currently lives in the Cincinnati area with his wife, Kelly, whose unwavering support has been essential to every milestone, and their one-year-old son, Hudson. He enjoys working out, golfing, playing and watching sports, and spending time with his family. He is honored to be recognized by the American Cancer Society at this year’s Finish the Fight Invitational.
