Komen's Woes Grow: Chair Joins Exodus

Another big name is leaving his post at Susan G. Komen for the Cure following its Planned Parenthood controversy—the chairman of the charity's board. Renowned cancer surgeon LaSalle Leffall is stepping down, though he'll stay on as a board member, the Washington Post reports. A rep says Leffall's exit will allow him to focus on his work at Howard University, where he became provost in December. A source tells the Post that the university wanted Leffall to make such a move, though a Howard rep says the school played no part in his choice. Leffall, the first board member to make a move, will be replaced by retired founding board member Robert Taylor.

Meanwhile, the executive exodus from the organization has expanded: Now at least five execs have parted ways with the group, the AP notes. Those include three high-ranking officials in the Dallas office as well as the CEOs of the New York and Oregon affiliates. While there have been reports of low morale at the organization—prompting the postponement of a pair of fundraisers—insiders tell the AP they're optimistic. "We're tracking right what we did last year and our corporate sponsorship is up," says a Los Angeles rep. (More Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation stories.)