BCRF Welcomes Four Esteemed Leaders to Its Board of Directors

Foundation continues to strengthen its leadership with cross-industry expertise

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is thrilled to welcome four exceptional leaders to its Board of Directors. With distinguished backgrounds spanning philanthropy, business, science, and strategic innovation, each new member brings not only invaluable expertise but a deep, personal commitment to accelerating the end of breast cancer. Their appointments mark an exciting chapter in BCRF’s continued growth, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission with bold vision and cross-sector leadership.

These dynamic individuals—Donna Acquavella, Wendi Rose, Kecia Steelman, and Richard van den Broek—reflect the strength and diversity of the BCRF community. United by a shared purpose, they will help guide and amplify the Foundation’s lifesaving work, building on decades of progress in breast cancer research.

Donna Acquavella
A devoted supporter of BCRF since our founding, Donna Acquavella—alongside her husband, Bill—has played a pivotal role in advancing our mission. In February 2024, the couple was honored with the Evelyn H. Lauder Humanitarian Award at the Palm Beach Luncheon, recognizing their extraordinary commitment. Donna, a trusted friend of Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, joined them in founding the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. We are honored to welcome her to our Board of Directors.

Wendi Rose
Wendi Rose and the Rose family have been an integral part of the BCRF community for decades. Since joining the Advisory Board in 2000, she has played an important role in the organization including having co-chaired BCRF’s New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon, where the Jill Rose Award for Scientific Excellence—named in honor of her late mother—is presented each year. Jill Rose, a founding Advisory Board member and close confidante of Evelyn H. Lauder, left a profound legacy that Wendi proudly carries forward.

Kecia Steelman
Appointed President & CEO of Ulta Beauty in January 2025, Kecia Steelman brings over 30 years of retail and operational leadership to BCRF. In addition to multiple leadership roles at Ulta Beauty over her 11-year tenure, her impressive career spans major companies including Family Dollar, Home Depot, and Target. Ulta Beauty—an invaluable BCRF corporate partner for more than 15 years—has contributed over $60 million to breast cancer research through their extraordinary support of BCRF. Kecia’s strategic vision, deep industry knowledge and passion for giving back will be a powerful asset to the Foundation.

Richard van den Broek
As Founder and Managing Partner of HSMR Advisors, LLC, Richard van den Broek offers nearly three decades of financial and biotech expertise. He currently serves as an Independent Director at Pulse Biosciences and previously held a directorship at PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals. His insight into biotechnology and venture philanthropy, combined with a personal connection to breast cancer, makes him an essential addition to BCRF’s leadership.

“We are honored to welcome Donna, Wendi, Kecia, and Richard to our Board of Directors,” said BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay. “Each brings a powerful combination of leadership, expertise, and personal passion to our mission. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering dedication to ending breast cancer will help propel BCRF’s impact even further. Together, we are advancing science, saving lives, and moving closer to a world without breast cancer.”