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Tobacco Control Pioneer Retires After More than Four Decades of Service
October 11, 2012
Russ Sciandra Leaves Legacy of Taking on Big Tobacco and Winning
It’s no exaggeration to say that Russ Sciandra’s work to reduce the scourge of tobacco has saved thousands of lives.
Thanks to Russ’ tireless efforts to convene a community of partners that work together in Albany on tobacco policy, New Yorkers enjoy clean air at work, including in bars and restaurants; smokers can access a program to help them quit; cigarettes must be manufactured as fire safe; smoking is prohibited in all college dormitories; and kid-friendly self-service cigarette displays in stores are a thing of the past.
During his tenure with the American Cancer Society, cigarette taxes periodically increased in New York and are now the highest in the nation at $4.35 a pack. Research has shown that increasing the price of cigarettes is a proven strategy that influences smokers to quit.
A nationally recognized expert, Russ is frequently sought after for his expertise by advocates across the country and always was willing to share his insights and strategies. Russ worked for Roswell Park Cancer Institute from 1974 to 1991, where he managed the Telephone Cancer Information Service and was project manager on the groundbreaking COMMIT trial. From 1992 through 1996 he was manager of the NYS Tobacco Control Program within the NYS Department of Health. Russ joined the American Cancer Society in 1996.
Russ has accomplished what any of us strives for in our career, to make a true difference for the better in the lives of others. He was honored with the John Joseph Moakley Award for Leadership in Promoting Fire Safe Cigarettes by the Harvard School of Public Health in 2006, and received the National Staff Advocacy Leadership Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in 2010. He has co-authored more than 20 articles on tobacco control in peer-reviewed journals, and was an author of the 1989 Surgeon General’s Report.
Russ is embarking on a new adventure with his wife Eva – retirement. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network thanks Russ for his many years of service and commitment to the fight against cancer. His expertise, political savvy, media instincts, and passion will be missed but his legacy of using advocacy to take on Big Tobacco will continue.
If you’d like to celebrate Russ’ accomplishments and wish him well in his retirement at an event the evening of Monday, October 15th, please contact Susan Booth at 518-220-6908 or [email protected].
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