Loughman Named Executive Director at Wings of Hope, Ettinger to Remain in Programming Role

COUNCIL BLUFFS – Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center is growing its team to meet the growing mental health needs of those on the cancer journey in the metro and throughout southwest Iowa.

Abbey Loughman has been hired as the organization’s first full-time executive director. She began her duties Oct. 28 and will assume leadership of the organization in January 2025. Longtime Wings of Hope Executive Director Carolyn Ettinger is retiring from the position Dec. 31 to focus solely on the organization’s programming efforts in the new year.

“The addition of Abbey to our organization allows us to reach our communities in different ways and further extends our outreach in ways we haven’t been able to in the past,” said Patti Higginbotham, Wings of Hope founder and current board president. “We are doubly blessed in that no interruption of services is anticipated as Carolyn will remain in a programming role, continuing counseling services and helping patients and their family members navigate the emotional and psycho-social consequences of cancer. Good things are anticipated for our organization and our community. We could not be more excited!”

Loughman, originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, previously served as the development and marketing manager at The Collective for Hope, an Omaha nonprofit dedicated to grief support. “When we connect with others in meaningful ways, we can broaden our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Loughman said. “It's through these connections that we truly make a difference, and I am so proud to be joining Wings and the Council Bluffs community in supporting those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”

Loughman said she’s deeply committed to showing her four-year-old son that making a difference in the world starts with giving back to the community. “Balancing the joys of motherhood with my professional life, I’m striving to create a legacy of hope, compassion and impact, both at home and in my work,” she said. Loughman, her son and Charles Darwin, a six-month old golden retriever, live in Fremont.

Ettinger said she’s excited about the growth at Wings and her transition to a part-time programming role. Throughout her tenure as executive director, she has been responsible for the organization’s programming efforts. “Programming has always been my passion, and I am looking forward to being able to dedicate my time and energies to spending quality time with patients, survivors, and care partners,” she said. “Our companion counseling, healing touch services, and group programming meet an important need in the cancer world, and I am happy to be a part of a nonprofit that helps to meet these needs.”

Earlier this year, Ann Jones was hired as the organization’s part-time programming specialist. She recently received her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Utah. This marks the first time in the organization’s history that it has a full-time program staff equivalent.