WILMINGTON — The American Cancer Society is proud to announce that Michael Marquardt, CEO of Global Kompass Strategies Inc., has been named the chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Marquardt, who has served on the ACS board since 2018, also served as chair of the American Cancer Society’s former South Atlantic Division Board, received the society’s St. George National Award in 2017, and has served on the advocacy affiliate American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Board of Directors since 2014.

His connection to the cancer mission is deeply personal, tragically having lost his first wife to cancer at age 30 after she faced two different types of cancer for 18 months.

“I channeled my grief into volunteer service with the American Cancer Society,” Marquardt said. “There isn’t an organization in the world that has done more to find cures, that has done more to help patients with cancer and their families, and to also help policymakers in Congress and in state houses understand how cancer ravages communities than the American Cancer Society.

“I couldn’t be prouder to lead the most diverse board of directors that ACS has seen in 108 years. At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention — all so people can live longer and better.”

The ACS Board of Directors consists of 23 members, which includes five officers and 18 directors. Directors are elected for a two-year term, and officers hold their position for a one-year term.

Global Kompass Strategies is a management consulting firm focused on offering trusted advisory services in the areas of global business development, corporate governance, risk management and emerging technology issues.

Marquardt and his wife, Claire, reside in Wilmington.