It may seem like THON has just ended, and indeed it’s been less than a month since Penn State raised over $13 million FTK. Although the excitement of THON weekend is still fresh in our minds, THON has already announced next year’s executive director: Katie Mailey.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s executive director Meg Renaut, Katie Mailey will take the helm of THON 2016. As a senior who will finish her five-year program in 2016, Mailey has been involved with THON since her freshman year, danced in THON 2014, and was most recently the finance director for this past year’s THON weekend.

In light of the announcement, Mailey gave the following statement, speaking about her experience last year and her excitement for next year:

This past year I saw firsthand how THON empowers so many students to be involved and give selflessly of themselves. There is something special about knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life in every moment, and that’s what THON does. I am so excited to serve as the Executive Director for THON 2016 because simply, this organization continues to amaze and inspire me to give more in the fight against pediatric cancer, and I can’t wait to begin the journey to THON 2016.

In addition, Renaut gave words of encouragement to Mailey’s next year with THON:

I am so proud of all the THON community has accomplished this year and I couldn’t be happier to have Katie leading THON 2016. There is still more to be done in the fight against childhood cancer and I am confident that Katie and the rest of the THON community will continue to steps towards a cure in the next year. It’s a bittersweet time for me, but I am so excited to watch as the goals and visions for THON continue to develop and unfold.

Congratulations to Katie Mailey! We’re excited to watch your enthusiasm for THON take hold and we look forward to seeing how you further THON’s mission, FTK.

Photo: Katie Mailey