David Russo is the Founder and Executive Director of Cheeky Charity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+-focused advocacy around colorectal and anal cancers. Under his leadership, Cheeky Charity has raised awareness among tens of thousands of people, influenced hundreds to obtain screenings, and has confirmed over 20 individuals catching colorectal cancer early, likely saving their lives.
David brings over 15 years of healthcare industry experience to his advocacy work, including roles as Global Marketing Manager, Project Manager, and Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. He holds both a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from New York University, equipping him with strong business acumen and strategic planning skills.
David is an active member of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality. He also leads the ACS Cancer Action Network’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group and serves as Principal Investigator on research examining cancer screening barriers among LGBTQ+ adults.
Through Cheeky Charity, David works to break down healthcare barriers and reduce stigma around cancer screening using humor and culturally competent programming, meeting communities where they are and creating safe, inclusive spaces for patients, survivors, and their caregivers.