Ellen Hermanson Foundation Names Two New Board Members
The East End organization appoints a breast surgery specialist and a cancer memoirist while creating a new recognition title for long-tenured directors.
By Thomas Obasi ·
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation appointed Dr. Edna Kapenhas and Geralyn Lucas to its board of directors on Tuesday. The organization also created a board members emeriti designation to honor individuals with long histories of service.
Kappenhas directs the breast surgery program at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and serves as the medical director for the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center. Her role provides direct insight into the clinical relationship between the hospital center and the foundation.
Lucas is a breast cancer survivor and author. She wrote the best-selling memoir “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy.” Her advocacy work focuses on raising awareness regarding diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. Lucas received the foundation’s 2026 annual summer gala honor.
Dr. Julie Ratner, the foundation’s founder and chair, said the new members bring medical expertise, personal perspective, and community connections. Ratner stated that these additions will help advance the organization’s mission of supporting breast health care for women on the East End.
The new board members emeriti designation recognizes seven individuals for their lasting contributions. The group includes Constance M. Chen, Amanda Star Frazer, Patti Askwith Kenner, Hope Klein Langer, James Levin, Hugo Moreno, and Iris Shokoff.
