CHICAGO, IL, January 12, 2026 – Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, a leading funder of innovative breast cancer research and collaboration in Chicago and beyond, announced the appointment of Dr. Seema Venkatachalam Malkani as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr. Venkatachalam succeeds Halee Sage, who is stepping down after years of dedicated leadership and service to the Foundation.
A board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Venkatachalam brings more than two decades of clinical experience, a background in public health and epidemiology, and a deep commitment to women’s health, prevention, and health equity. Her leadership reflects the Foundation’s ongoing focus on advancing research, supporting early-career investigators, and translating innovation into meaningful patient impact.
Dr. Venkatachalam previously served as Chair of the Lynn Sage Grants Committee, which oversees the distribution of the Foundation’s research funding to ensure alignment with its mission and strategic priorities. In this role, she developed deep knowledge of Lynn Sage’s diversified funding model, supporting novel research, early-career investigators, and collaborative efforts across institutions that accelerate progress in breast cancer care.
“Dr. Venkatachalam succeeds Halee Sage, whose leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment have helped shape Lynn Sage into the impactful organization it is today,” said Kirstin Chernawsky, Executive Director of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. “On behalf of our entire community, I extend my deepest gratitude to Halee for her years of service and for her enduring dedication to advancing breast cancer research and collaboration. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Venkatachalam as Board Chair and look forward to the expertise and leadership she brings to this next chapter.”
As Chair, Dr. Venkatachalam will focus on expanding the Foundation’s reach, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating progress toward a future without breast cancer. She has been a trusted voice on women’s health issues throughout the Chicago area and has volunteered extensively with clinics serving uninsured and underserved populations, both locally and internationally.
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of an organization that invests so thoughtfully in research, collaboration, and the future of breast cancer care,” said Dr. Venkatachalam. “Lynn Sage plays a unique role in strengthening the systems that move discovery from the lab to patients, and I am excited to help advance this work.”
In addition to announcing new leadership, the Foundation also welcomed several new members to its Board of Directors, further strengthening its depth of expertise across healthcare, strategy, communications, and community engagement:
- Sonya Bhole, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology and Director and Physician Lead of Ambulatory Breast Imaging at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, is a former Lynn Sage Fellow and nationally recognized breast imaging expert.
- Alana Biggers Walker, MD, MPH, is a tenured Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago and a physician-researcher whose work focuses on health equity, chronic disease prevention, and cancer-related disparities.
- Suzanne Le Mignot, award-winning journalist and weekend morning anchor for CBS News Chicago, adds decades of experience in storytelling, public service journalism, and community advocacy.
- Suchita Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, brings extensive experience in biopharma strategy, commercialization, and market access, with a focus on helping life sciences organizations address unmet patient needs.
- Tucker Woolfolk, Strategic Accounts Territory Manager at A-dec and a member of the Impact Council Board at A Better Chicago, brings experience in fundraising, community engagement, and family philanthropy.
“These new board members reflect the interdisciplinary approach that defines Lynn Sage,” said Lynn Sage Executive Director, Kirstin Chernawsky. “Their collective expertise will help ensure that the Foundation continues to fund bold research, support early-career investigators, and drive meaningful progress in breast cancer care.”
Founded in Chicago in 1985, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation has invested millions of dollars in novel breast cancer research, supported the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium, and championed collaboration across institutions to accelerate discovery and impact. For more information about the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, visit www.lynnsage.org.