The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Names Mary Uran as New Executive Director
Leader Joins MOCA During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
(MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., September 2, 2025) The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) announced today its Board of Directors has appointed Mary Uran as the next Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter for the statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1999.
Uran will begin her leadership role at MOCA on September 10, 2025, during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In September, MOCA hosts two large, signature community events and fundraisers and spearheads a statewide awareness effort.
“What the MOCA community has built over the past 25-plus years is truly remarkable. A small group formed by ovarian cancer survivors has grown into a statewide nonprofit organization, nationally recognized for its research impact and highly regarded for its meaningful support, education and awareness efforts. I’m honored to be a part of this legacy and excited to lead MOCA into its next chapter,” said Uran.
Following a comprehensive national search, the MOCA Board selected Uran for her extensive nonprofit leadership experience and her clear commitment to cancer research. She brings valuable expertise in public health, fundraising and addressing health disparities to help increase MOCA’s impact across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
“We’re excited to welcome Mary as the next Executive Director of MOCA. She brings deep experience in strategic leadership, organizational growth and public health. Her background, co-founding a health-focused nonprofit and guiding organizations in building sustainable infrastructure, uniquely prepares her to advance MOCA’s mission,” said Mary Adamski, Chair of the MOCA Board of Directors.
Previously, Uran worked as Managing Director at Compass Pro Bono, where she led operations while providing strategic leadership and capacity-building guidance to hundreds of local nonprofits. As a co-founder of Girls on the Run Minnesota, Uran established the organization, directed and supported staff and stewarded donor relationships for nearly a decade. Uran’s community service roles include acting as Chair of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, a nonprofit working to advance rare cancer research. A former Board Chair of the National CMV Foundation, Uran championed efforts to expand testing for this rare disease.
Uran holds a Master of Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communication from the College of Saint Benedict. She resides in St. Paul with her family.
Uran will follow Interim Executive Director Julie Bluhm, hired by the MOCA Board of Directors as an intentional interim leader to guide the organization during the search for the next permanent Executive Director. The search began after MOCA’s longtime Executive Director, Kathleen Gavin, retired in May 2025, following 23 years of leadership. Under Gavin’s stewardship, MOCA developed into a nationally recognized nonprofit serving ovarian cancer survivors and families throughout the Upper Midwest. The organization has grown into one of the top private, nonprofit funders of ovarian cancer research in the United States.
MOCA has provided nearly $12.9 million to ovarian cancer research for better treatments, an early detection test and a cure for ovarian cancer. In May 2025, MOCA awarded $450,000 to Minnesota-based ovarian cancer research projects. MOCA will announce multiple National Early Detection Research Awards in November 2025 to support research for the development of an early detection strategy for ovarian cancer.
“Throughout my time serving as an intentional Interim Executive Director, I’ve been privileged to work alongside the dedicated MOCA Board and talented staff who remain focused on our mission. I’m confident Mary’s strategic vision, commitment to health equity and collaborative leadership style make her the ideal person to guide MOCA forward,” said Bluhm, “With so much momentum and visibility during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this is the perfect time for a leadership transition. There is incredible excitement for what’s ahead.”
The announcement of MOCA’s new Executive Director coincides with National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The evening of Tuesday, September 2, MOCA kicks off its annual Light the Night campaign. As part of this highly visible statewide awareness effort, buildings, bridges and landmarks will light up in teal across Minnesota. On Saturday, September 13, MOCA hosts its largest annual community event and fundraiser of the year, HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer, a 2K Walk, 5K Run, Kids Fun Run and program at Rosland Park in Edina, MN. Uran will join MOCA’s survivors, families and supporters at HOM Teal Strides and at MOCA’s annual Light Duluth Teal Gala on Saturday, September 27, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
“I’m truly privileged to be joining this exceptional and passionate community, driven to make a difference against ovarian cancer. MOCA represents a unique blend of excellence and thoughtful investment, fostered within a warm, supportive environment that has been carefully built over the years,” said Uran.
Hear more from MOCA’s new Executive Director Mary Uran in this video clip.
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About the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance: The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) is a statewide nonprofit organization, founded in 1999, dedicated to supporting those impacted by ovarian cancer, funding research, educating the public and health care community and raising awareness. MOCA serves more than 1,000 survivors and has a network of more than 50,000 supporters across the U.S., with a full range of programs encompassing education, support and research. MOCA has awarded nearly $12.9 million to ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota and nationwide. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.
