Rutledge Cancer Foundation (RCF) is pleased to announce a significant leadership transition that marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s journey. After 15 years of dedicated service, Laura Rutledge will step down from the role of Executive Director and continue to serve on the RCF Board of Directors, where she will take on a new role as Director of Research.
This leadership change follows a thoughtful and comprehensive search led by Whitney Smith of Higginbotham and a dedicated team of RCF board members. RCF is proud to welcome Lynn Hammer as its new Executive Director, effective August 2025.
A Fort Worth native, Hammer brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and strategic development. She began her career at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, holding various leadership roles including columnist and associate publisher of a lifestyle magazine she helped launch. Most recently, Hammer served as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth, where she led transformative fundraising efforts and championed leadership programs for first-generation college-bound students.
Her previous role as Vice President of Development for the American Heart Association of Fort Worth further demonstrates her proven ability to build meaningful relationships and drive sustainable growth in mission-driven organizations.
“RCF has had a remarkable impact on the lives of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, and I’m honored to lead such a passionate and purpose-driven organization,” said Hammer. “I look forward to building on this incredible foundation and working with our dedicated team, board, donors, patients, and community to expand our reach and deepen our impact.”
Rutledge added, “This is more than a leadership change—it’s a pivotal moment for RCF. With Lynn at the helm, we are poised to expand our impact, enhance our research efforts, and serve even more AYA cancer patients and their families. I look forward to working closely with her during this transition and beyond.”
Founded in 2011, the Rutledge Cancer Foundation remains deeply committed to easing the impact of cancer on young lives, increasing survival rates, and finding a cure for sarcomas and other solid tumor cancers. With Hammer’s leadership and the ongoing support of the RCF community, the foundation is well positioned to continue its mission and broaden its reach.
To date, RCF has invested more than 3 million dollars across Texas and Denver in AYA patient programs, services and cutting edge research in top institutions across the country for less toxic and curative therapies for sarcomas.
To learn more about RCF, visit rutledgecancerfoundation.org
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