Nancy Church transitions after 31 years of care and leadership
After more than three decades of compassionate service to the community, Nancy Church, RN, is stepping away from the helm of Berrien County Cancer Service (BCCS), paving the way for well-known nonprofit leader Tyanna Essig to take on the role of President and CEO.
Essig, whose name is familiar to many in Michigan’s Great Southwest through her past leadership of St. Joseph Today and the Niles Chamber of Commerce, officially assumed her new role on July 1. Since joining BCCS in 2021, she has played a vital behind-the-scenes role, boosting fundraising by 67% and managing key aspects of the organization’s daily operations.
“I’m incredibly honored to follow in Nancy’s footsteps,” Essig said. “Her leadership has helped make BCCS a place of hope and healing for hundreds of local families. I look forward to building on that strong foundation and continuing to deliver care that meets our community where they are—in their homes, in their challenges, and in their fight.”
Outgoing Executive Director Nancy Church will remain involved as Patient Care Coordinator, entering a semi-retirement phase while helping ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.
“Serving this community has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Church said. “Tyanna is a dynamic and proven leader. I have full confidence that she will take BCCS into a strong and impactful future.”
Church leaves behind a legacy of impact. Over her 13 years in leadership—and 18 more as a nurse—she oversaw over $1.5 million in grant funding, increased patient nutrition support by nearly 60%, and expanded the organization’s Resource Locker to better meet the needs of those undergoing treatment. She personally cared for more than 800 patients during her time with BCCS.
Board Chair Josh Simons praised the transition. “Tyanna brings vision, energy, and a deep understanding of nonprofit leadership,” he said. “Her commitment to this mission is clear, and our board is confident in her ability to lead BCCS forward.”
A Legacy of Local Compassion
Founded in 1948 in Niles, Berrien County Cancer Service has provided free, in-home skilled nursing and support to thousands of cancer patients across the region. What began under the guidance of pioneering nurse Olove Colcord—who served more than 40 years with the organization—has grown into a vital, independent nonprofit resource for local families navigating the difficult journey of cancer.
From its early roots to its current home at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center at Corewell Health Park, BCCS has remained firmly focused on one mission: ensuring no one in Berrien County faces cancer alone.
Looking Ahead
Under Essig’s leadership, BCCS is launching several new initiatives aimed at growing its reach and relevance. The organization is partnering with Leslie Kroeze of Well of Grace Ministries to host focus groups that will gather community input on future services. Community members are encouraged to take a short survey at bccancerservice.org to share their ideas.
Additional upcoming events include:
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Moody on the Move Feature – Catch the full story in August
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PINK Party Fundraiser – Wednesday, October 1 from 3–7:30 p.m. at Watermark Brewing in Stevensville
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Pennies for Patients Drive – Canisters available by request to help raise funds
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Website Launch – Learn more and stay connected at bccancerservice.org
As BCCS turns the page to its next chapter, the organization remains rooted in the same values that have guided it for 77 years: community, care, and compassion.
