Head Of NYC Susan G. Komen Cancer Charity Resigns

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The head of the greater New York City affiliate of the nation's pre-eminent breast-cancer charity has announced her resignation.

Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron will step down from her position with Susan G. Komen for the Cure at the end of April. She said in a statement that she was leaving to "pursue new career opportunities.''

"It has been a true honor and privilege to work collaboratively with each of you over the past four years," she said. "I hope you are as proud as I am of all that we have accomplished together, most importantly our success in increasing grassroots community grant funding each year to enhance breast health services and supports in the greater New York metropolitan area despite some of the most difficult economic times in recent history."

Richardson-Heron was a critic of the national organization's decision last month to cut funding for some Planned Parenthood affiliates. The national organization later backtracked and said it would continue to fund Planned Parenthood.

The New York chapter of Komen provides $4.8 million in grants in support of breast-cancer research and education.

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