Martha Carucci Leaving Breast Cancer Collective to Lead First Tee–Greater Washington, DC
After 11 years expanding breast cancer screening, patient support, and community partnerships across the region, the longtime Alexandria nonprofit leader is beginning a new chapter as CEO of First Tee–Greater Washington, DC.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – After more than a decade leading the Breast Cancer Collective, Martha Carucci will step down as executive director on July 17 to become Chief Executive Officer of First Tee–Greater Washington, DC.
The Breast Cancer Collective exists to improve breast cancer survivability by expanding equitable access to screening, diagnostic care, follow-up treatment, and patient support. Formerly known as the National Breast Center Foundation, the Alexandria-based nonprofit has evolved over more than a decade into a collaborative network of healthcare providers, advocates, volunteers, donors, and community partners working to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.
The organization focuses on removing the financial, logistical, and systemic barriers that often prevent medically underserved patients from receiving timely care. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, the Breast Cancer Collective works to expand access to annual screenings, fund diagnostic testing and follow-up procedures, provide patient navigation, and improve outcomes through earlier detection. Its long-term goal is to reduce breast cancer mortality by 40 percent in the communities it serves.
Carucci has spent the past 11 years helping grow the Breast Cancer Collective into one of the region’s leading breast health nonprofits. During her tenure, the organization expanded access to breast cancer screening, diagnostic testing, patient navigation and support services for thousands of individuals and families throughout Alexandria and the Washington region. She also helped build many of the organization’s signature fundraising events, including the Walk to Bust Cancer and the Swing to Bust Cancer golf and tennis tournaments.
Beyond her work in healthcare, Carucci has become a familiar face throughout Alexandria’s nonprofit community. She serves on the board of Living Legends of Alexandria and is well known for bringing together volunteers, community partners and local businesses in support of the organization’s mission.
In a letter announcing the transition, Breast Cancer Collective Founder and President Dr. David Weintritt praised Carucci’s leadership.
“For the past decade, Martha has played an extraordinary role in shaping and strengthening our organization. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment have helped expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships, and deepen our impact for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.”
Reflecting on her years with the organization, Carucci said the people are what she will miss the most.
“I’m so proud of the work we have done to help thousands of underinsured women in Alexandria and beyond,” she said. “I will miss working with all the volunteers and venues, and of course Dr. Weintritt. As I told Dr. Weintritt, I’ll still be around to help. Don’t worry.”
That commitment to serving the community made her next opportunity a natural fit.
Outside the nonprofit world, Carucci also coaches the West Potomac High School varsity girls’ tennis team, which recently captured its division championship and advanced to the Virginia state tournament. Working with young people has long been one of her passions.
Headed to First Tee
As CEO of First Tee–Greater Washington, DC, Carucci will have the opportunity to combine that passion with another lifelong love—golf.
“Golf teaches kids so much more than just a sport,” Carucci said. “It teaches valuable social skills, ethics, manners and all the rest. I’m excited about what’s happening at First Tee and look forward to the places we can go.”
First Tee–Greater Washington, DC introduces young people to golf while using the game to teach life skills, confidence, integrity and leadership. The organization reaches thousands of children each year through school programs, community partnerships and golf facilities across the region.
Mission Continues
Weintritt said the Breast Cancer Collective‘s board has been preparing for the transition and that Carucci will spend the coming weeks implementing a comprehensive transition plan to ensure continuity of programs, partnerships and operations.
“Our mission remains unchanged,” Weintritt wrote. “Every day, we remain committed to ensuring that individuals and families facing breast cancer have access to the support, education, resources and community they deserve.”
The organization already has two major community events on the calendar this fall.
Upcoming Events
ALX Pink Gala
Sept. 25, 2026
An evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising to support breast cancer screening, diagnostic care and patient navigation services.
Walk to Bust Cancer
Oct. 18, 2026
The organization’s annual community walk brings together survivors, families, supporters and advocates while raising funds to expand access to breast health services throughout the region.
As one chapter closes, both organizations are looking toward the future—the Breast Cancer Collective continuing its mission to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone, and Martha Carucci beginning a new opportunity to help the next generation build confidence, character and life skills, one swing at a time.
