
Nationwide Top Performers Conference | February 21 - 23, 2025 | Atlanta, GA
The Top Performers Conference is designed to leave you energized, inspired, and motivated by connecting with the nation’s top-performing volunteers and executives at the American Cancer Society (ACS). This weekend is built by volunteers for volunteers, featuring:
- A celebration honoring YOU and the incredible impact you make in fueling the ACS mission, with stories of those whose lives you’ve helped change.
- General sessions and breakout groups to share successes, exchange ideas, and deepen your knowledge of ACS’s mission and impact.
This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired to continue making a difference in the fight against cancer.
Whether you were able to attend or not, this page is your one-stop-shop for everything conference related.

Nationwide Top Performing Teams Program
The Top Performing Teams Program is a unique opportunity to qualifying Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and DetermiNation teams. The program is designed to deepen relationships among Top Performing Teams throughout the year via exclusive events and learning opportunities. The goal is to continue to see our Top Performing Teams grow and to identify and develop rising stars for the American Cancer Society.
What is a Top Performing Team?
A team raising $75,000 or more annually
Benefits
- Invitation to the Nationwide Top Performers Conference*
- Invite to exclusive calls throughout the year
- Exclusive “swag” given at Nationwide Top Performers Conference, if attending
- Opportunity to purchase from the Nationwide Top Performers pop-up shop
- Social media badges
- Nationwide Award/Recognition
- Invite to social media private group
- Specialized communication (beyond Facebook group)
*The Nationwide Top Performers Conference is much more than a meeting. It’s a weekend workshop that includes top ACS leaders, researchers, motivational stories, team building, recognition of top teams, resources & tools, breakout sessions to talk about fundraising growth, etc.
What is a Team of Excellence?
A team raising $50,000+ annually and those showing YOY growth. (these teams may be identified by Region Strategic Directors, local staff, or Product leads)
Benefits
- Consideration for invitation to the Nationwide Top Performers Conference
- Invite to exclusive calls throughout the year
- Social media badges
- Nationwide Award (RFL Team of Excellence)
- Invite to exclusive Facebook group
Dr. Wayne Frederick, CEO American Cancer Society
Friday, February 21 Keynote Speaker
Michael Neal
The Vision of the American Cancer Society
Mark Feinman
How Team WMMR Leverages their Strengths
Alpa Patel & the Population Science Panel
Dr. Alpa Patel - Moderator | Dr. Caroline Um | Dr. Clara Bodelon | Dr. Marissa Shams-White | Dr. Ying Wang | Ryan Diver
Lisa Lacasse
Why ACS CAN is Critical
Dr. Alpa Patel
Discovery to Action
Chris Speranza
Ravens on the Run: What helps us Rise
Heather Mills
Sunday Morning Welcome
Phylecia Wilson
Leaving A Legacy
Suzanne Olszewski
What Helped Us Rise - Ricoh Striders
William Riddick
Recharging Your Light
Casey Garness & Stormy Thibodeaux
A Final Challenge
David Bradley
What ACS means to me.
Dr. Frederick
Friday Night KeyNote Presentation
2024 Awards
Did you miss Top Performers or want to see your award again? Look no further!
Lisa Lacasse
Why ACS CAN is Critical
Dr. Alpa Patel
Discovery to Action
Alpa Patel & the Population Science Panel
Dr. Alpa Patel - Moderator | Dr. Caroline Um | Dr. Clara Bodelon | Dr. Marissa Shams-White | Dr. Ying Wang | Ryan Diver
Casey Garness & Stormy Thibodeaux
A Final Challenge