Cancer Navigators names RNT's Atkins as executive director

Media release: The board of directors for Cancer Navigators, Inc. has named Charlotte Atkins its new executive director.

Cancer Navigators is a nonprofit community organization that helps cancer patients on their journey from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond with the help of trained professionals including nurse navigators, service navigators and counselors. It is a collaboration of the community and Rome's medical service providers, including Harbin Clinic, Redmond Regional Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center, to ensure an integrative cancer care experience for patients.

"We are very pleased that Charlotte has accepted the position as Executive Director of Cancer Navigators", stated Dee Yancey, Chairman of the Board of Cancer Navigators. "Her proven leadership ability and demonstrated passion for the mission of Cancer Navigators will ensure that this vital community program continues to meet the needs of cancer patients in Northwest Georgia."

A Rome native, Atkins has been editor of the Rome News-Tribune since early 2004.　

Her 30-year media career has included working at daily newspapers from Florida to California in a variety of capacities from reporter and photographer to designer and editor, as well as a stint in television as a talk show director.

In addition to directing the Rome newspaper's daily news report, Atkins has played a key role in the company's magazine publishing arm having created Magnolia magazine and producing the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce's quality of life magazine.

"It has been so wonderful to be back home in Rome. Serving the community as editor of the hometown newspaper for almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I have ever done," said Atkins.

"And now to get to take the helm of Cancer Navigators and have impact in another such meaningful way is truly an honor. Cancer Navigators is one of the most exciting things happening in our community and I am going to make it my mission to make sure folks know about the work this group does. Cancer Navigators is something for Rome and the region to truly celebrate and embrace."

Atkins will start with Cancer Navigators in early November.