Heather Roberts, Director of Race and Special Events at Susan G. Komen Central and Northern Arizona, was honored with the national “Excellence in Leadership” award at the annual Susan G. Komen Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas this past weekend.

Susan G. Komen is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer with local Affiliate offices in more than 120 locations in the U.S. and around the world.  Each year, the organization recognizes a staff member from one of its local Affiliates for their accomplishments that exceed normal job responsibilities and expectations.

Roberts has played a central part in the success of Susan G. Komen Central and Northern Arizona’s (Komen CAN Arizona) operations, exhibiting the greatest skill and highest ethical practices. In her time with the Affiliate, she has evolved from Race Manager to Race and Special Events Director, responsible for all direction and support for not only the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure(R), but all other event programming the Affiliate undertakes, and has become a key member of the Affiliate Staff Leadership Team. During her time in charge of the Race, she helped increase its dollar amount raised per participant each and every year.

In addition to her event management role, Roberts has also exhibited enormous flexibility and dependability. During last year’s Race season, Roberts assumed the additional responsibility of acting co-executive director while the executive director was on maternity leave. During this period, Roberts managed the operational oversight of Komen CAN Arizona, in addition to her regular job demands.

“Having strong leadership on our team is critical to achieving our goals and making powerful community impact. Heather exhibits excellence in leadership in addition to providing stability and cultivating a collaborative environment at our Affiliate,” said Beverly Kruse, executive director for Komen CAN Arizona.

The largest event Roberts manages, the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure, will take place Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. Registration is available online at www.komenCANaz.org.