Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance names Bennie alumna as executive director
The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) announced in Sept. 2025 that its Board of Directors has appointed Mary (Winzenburg) Uran (CSB ’06) as its executive director, ushering in a new chapter for the statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1999. Uran began her leadership role at MOCA on Sept. 10, 2025, during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
“What the MOCA community has built over the past 25-plus years is truly remarkable. A small group formed by ovarian cancer survivors has grown into a statewide nonprofit organization, nationally recognized for its research impact and highly regarded for its meaningful support, education and awareness efforts. I’m honored to be a part of this legacy and excited to lead MOCA into its next chapter,” said Uran.
Following a comprehensive national search, the MOCA Board selected Uran for her extensive nonprofit leadership experience and her clear commitment to cancer research. She brings valuable expertise in public health, fundraising and addressing health disparities to help increase MOCA’s impact across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
“We’re excited to welcome Mary as the next executive director of MOCA. She brings deep experience in strategic leadership, organizational growth and public health. Her background, co-founding a health-focused nonprofit and guiding organizations in building sustainable infrastructure, uniquely prepares her to advance MOCA’s mission,” said Mary Adamski, chair of the MOCA Board of Directors.
Previously, Uran worked as managing director at Compass Pro Bono, where she led operations while providing strategic leadership and capacity-building guidance to hundreds of local nonprofits. As a cofounder of Girls on the Run Minnesota, Uran established the organization and its infrastructure, directed and supported staff and stewarded donor relationships for nearly a decade.
Uran’s community service roles include acting as chair of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, a nonprofit working to advance rare cancer research. A former board chair of the National CMV Foundation, Uran championed efforts to expand testing for this rare disease. Uran holds a Master of Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communication from the College of Saint Benedict. She resides in St. Paul with her family.
MOCA has provided nearly $12.9 million to ovarian cancer research for better treatments, an early detection test and a cure for ovarian cancer. In May 2025, MOCA awarded $450,000 to Minnesota-based ovarian cancer research projects. MOCA will announce multiple National Early Detection Research Awards in November 2025 to support research for the development of an early detection strategy for ovarian cancer.
“I’m truly privileged to be joining this exceptional and passionate community, driven to make a difference against ovarian cancer. MOCA represents a unique blend of excellence and thoughtful investment, fostered within a warm, supportive environment that has been carefully built over the years,” said Uran.