THON has named Lauren Mellas as its executive director for THON 2027.

Mellas, a criminology major with minors in graphic design and sociology, previously served as THON 2026’s Public Relations-Digital Content director. Before joining the executive board, Mellas was a graphic design captain in 2024 and 2025 and was on a first-year committee in 2023.

“I THON so that one day, no family has to receive the news that their child has cancer, a feeling I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I have had many loved ones impacted by cancer. Unfortunately, my experience is not unique. Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer. It can feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure,” Mellas told Onward State in November. 

Mellas’s first task will be to select the rest of the THON 2027 executive committe over the coming weeks.