We are excited to share that Holly Priebe has officially stepped into the role of Co-CEO at the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, effective January 1, 2026. Holly has been part of the Foundation for more than two decades, most recently serving as Chief Operating and Financial Officer.
This moment reflects years of thoughtful planning. Holly began preparing for this role in 2019 under Susan Thornton’s mentorship and was named CEO-Elect in July 2025. These steps were designed to ensure a smooth, collaborative transition and continued strength for the Foundation.
Holly shared, “It is an incredible honor to serve this community in this way. My vision is clear and firmly rooted in the foundation of commitment and hard work laid by Susan Thornton and Judy Jones, our founder. I am building on their legacy and committed to advance earlier diagnosis, ensure equitable access to treatments and care, and create a future where no one faces this disease alone. Achieving this requires working hand-in-hand with all our stakeholders—patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and policy and regulatory leaders—because we are stronger together.”
Throughout 2026, Holly and Susan will work side-by-side to guide the Foundation forward with stability and care. Holly’s passion for this mission and her determination to advance quality of life for patients and care partners will remain at the heart of everything we do.
The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation is embarking on a meaningful and collaborative leadership transition. Susan Thornton to Retire December 2026, Holly Priebe Named CEO-Elect July 2025
Warren, MI – August 1, 2025 – The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation (CLFoundation) is entering a new chapter with a carefully planned leadership transition. After more than a decade of dedicated service as CEO, Susan Thornton will retire on December 31, 2026. In preparation, the Board of Directors has unanimously elected Holly Priebe, the Foundation’s long-serving Chief Operating and Financial Officer, as the next CEO.
To ensure a smooth and collaborative transition, the CLFoundation Board agreed that Holly would begin serving as CEO-Elect on July 1, 2025. She will then step into the role of Co-CEO alongside Susan on January 1, 2026, before becoming the sole CEO on January 1, 2027 as Susan moves into serving as CEO-Emeritus.
This 18-month transition reflects the Foundation’s deep commitment to stability, continuity, and shared leadership. Susan and Holly have worked closely together for many years, and both are excited about what lies ahead—for themselves, the Foundation and the community they serve.
“This is not just a handoff—it’s a journey we are taking together,” said Susan. “I’m proud of what we’ve built and confident in Holly’s ability to lead the Foundation forward.”
Over the coming months, the Foundation will share opportunities to celebrate Susan’s remarkable legacy and engage with Holly as she prepares to lead the organization into the future.
Join us in congratulating both Susan and Holly on this exciting time for the Foundation.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Accad
Community Engagement Manager
248-644-9014