Though it seems like THON 2016 just ended, the fight to cure pediatric cancer never stops and efforts for THON 2017 began at 4:01 p.m. on Sunday, February 21. One of the first steps in preparation for THON 2017 was naming the new executive director, which THON did this afternoon — Austin Sommerer will head the philanthropy’s executive committee for 2017.

Congratulations to Austin Sommerer, the THON 2017 Executive Director! #FTK

— PSU Dance Marathon (@THON) March 18, 2016

Sommerer, a rising senior majoring in Management with a minor in Recreation, Park, and Tourism, served as the Entertainment Director for THON 2016. Before that he was a member of the Public Relations committee in 2014 and an Entertainment Captain for 2015.

“We are incredibly excited for Austin to be selected as the THON 2017 Executive Director. Planning for next year is already beginning with his selection,” 2016 Public Relations Director Lily Beatty said. “Year after year, the THON community continues to thrive and we cannot wait to see what he, his committee, and the community will do For The Kids next year!”

The Executive Director will serve in an important capacity as THON works to reevaluate its practices for 2017. At the conclusion of THON weekend in February, Beatty said the organization is committed to preserving canning, but will have to properly evaluate as the planning process for 2017 moves forward. Sommerer, as Executive Director, will surely play an important role in this.

“As cliche as it sounds, I THON for the day where I hear that we have finally found a cure,” Sommerer said to Onward State in January about why he THONs. “Each day, a new story crosses me that reaffirms why I pour my time into this incredible organization, and it pains me to know that there are still families battling this fight. I THON for the smiles during THON weekend, and the hope that our organization brings to families day after day.”

Congratulations to Sommerer, and assuming THON weekend kicks off February 17, 2017, we dance in 336 FTK!