The SC Cancer Alliance is managed by a full-time executive director who reports directly to the board of directors. Alliance staff is based in Columbia, South Carolina.

Nicole Echols, Chief Executive Officer

Nicole holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from South Carolina State University and has years of experience in non-profit leadership and operations. She has a dedication to community service and passion for eliminating barriers to care. Nicole previously served as the Director of External Affairs at HopeHealth where she established relationships with stakeholders in media, academia, government, and in the private sector. In 2024, Nicole was awarded the Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award by National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) which recognizes advocates’ dedication and mobilization efforts to generate public and political support for the nation’s Community Health Centers.

Brenda Thorpe, Senior Community Engagement Director

Brenda is the Senior Community Engagement Director for the Alliance. She has a wealth of knowledge of community health improvement planning and development, coalition development, facilitation, community engagement, and relationship building. Brenda is honored to be a part of the SC Cancer Alliance team because she believes they are making an impact that can be felt and seen across South Carolina. She hopes to add her expertise to the great work they’re doing to continue to make a positive difference in cancer prevention and outcomes in our communities. Click here for her bio.

Sheila Squire, Community Engagement Director

Sheila, our Community Engagement Director, is responsible for implementing the recommendations in the Data Brief: Cancer Mortality in African American Men in South Carolina: Lung, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer (2021). Sheila will manage programs in Chesterfield, Darlington, and Marlboro Counties. She has been a volunteer with the Alliance for many years. Click here for her bio.

Program Manager (Vacant)

Our program manager is dedicated to serving communities and building relationships throughout the state and work alongside communities to reduce the impact of cancer in South Carolina. This position is currently open.