“Margie is an absolutely tireless worker in the
Arizona Cancer Center and has gained the reputation of
being extremely helpful to both junior and senior
faculty members alike. I can categorically state that our
Arizona Cancer Center’s Cancer Center Support Grant
would be in grave jeopardy if Margie was not available
to oversee and immerse herself in the maintenance of
our Cancer Center Support Grant. Every day, Margie
makes the difference between success and failure in
our Mission to Prevent
Margie Barber, MAc, CPA and Cure Cancer in
Chief Administrative Officer
Arizona.”
Arizona Cancer Center
~ David S. Alberts, MD,
The University of Arizona
Director
Michael Bertram, PhD
Associate Director for Administration
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Comprehensive Cancer Center
“Mike Bertram and his team are invaluable
to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer
Center. He is the perfect
example of ‘hire good people and
get out of the way.’”
~ Edward E. Partridge, MD, Director
Dave Rubenson, MS, MBA
Associate Director for Administration
Stanford Cancer Center
“We have been most fortunate to have had such
outstanding administrative support from our CCSG
team. Karen Monson has seen us through
turbulent times, keeping the ship afloat, and Dave
Rubenson has joined us recently to help steer us
in new directions.”
~ Beverly S. Mitchell, MD,
Director
Karen Monson
Manager of Finance & Business Operations
Stanford Cancer Center
John Gricoski, CPA, MBA
Vice President of Research Administration
Fox Chase Cancer Center
“From Eagle Scout to all-star CCSG
Administrative Leader John’s integrity,
leadership, and organizational skill served
Fox Chase extraordinarily well during its
2010-11 CCSG submission. Thank you, John.”
~ Michael V. Seiden MD, PhD, Director
Ted Yank, MHA
Associate Director for Administration
Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center
Baylor College of Medicine
“Running a cancer center is clearly a team
effort. The importance of our administrative
team headed by Ted Yank cannot be
overstated. As Director I would be lost
without Ted and his group. Directing a cancer
center without abundant admin support
would be impossible.”
~ Kent Osborne, MD, Director
Barbara Vance, PhD, CRA
Associate Director for Research Administration
Abramson Cancer Center
University of Pennsylvania
“Kudos to Barbara Vance and Bob Wynne from
the Abramson Cancer Center for their rating as
EXCEPTIONAL for Research Administration in our
2010 competing renewal!”
~ Caryn Lerman, PhD, Director
Robert Wynne
Director of Financial & Administrative Affairs
Abramson Cancer Center
University of Pennsylvania
“Judith Epstein and Beth Bernard provide
outstanding administrative and organizational
support for the CCSG activities at Roswell Park
Cancer institute. Their work is integral to our
continued success. THANK YOU , Judith and
Beth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
~Donald Trump, MD, FACP, Director
& Candace Johnson, PhD, Deputy Director
Judith Epstein, MS
Assistant CCSG Administrator
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
“Two years ago, the IU Simon Cancer Center’s founding Director, Steve Williams,
died from melanoma. As is quite easy to imagine, this was a devastating blow to
the members and staff of the Center and the University. As then Deputy Director,
I assumed the responsibilities of Steve with little appreciation of the depth and
breadth of the organization that I so casually belonged since its inception.
Michael Darling and our administrative team lifted much of the burden
of additional responsibilities for me, transforming sadness into solidarity. It is
no small testimonial to say that the professionalism and vocational drive of our
Cancer Center team drove me consider applying for the full time position as
Director, a job I never aspired to hold. Cancer Center Directors get more that
their fair share of the spotlight, but the script and the direction come from the
administrative staff… and we have a superb one. Thanks for all you do.”
~Patrick J. Loehrer, MD, FACP, Director
Michael Darling, MHA
Associate Director for Administration
Indiana University Simon Cancer Center
“Tina has the unique distinction of serving for a second time
as the lead Administrator for the Holden Comprehensive
Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. I was disappointed
but understood when Tina initially stepped down as Associate
Director for Administration because of family
obligations. Subsequently, one of the best days ever for our
Cancer Center (and for me) was the day Tina agreed to return
to this role. She is uniformly respected across the institution
and her skillful, thoughtful, calming approach to dealing with
both people and problems has been invaluable. ”
~George Weiner, MD, Director
Tina Devery, MHA
Associate Director for Administration
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Iowa
Kevin Vest, MBA
Deputy Director - Administration
Yale Cancer Center
“Kevin Vest and his leadership team are the heart
of the cancer center. They touch all of our
initiatives and programs. From operations to
recruiting to the CCSG our administrative
leadership ensures the success of the cancer
center. Most importantly our leaders are
motivated to improve outcome for our patients.”
~Thomas Lynch, Jr., MD, Director
“Our administrative team, led by Ms. Connie
Claybaker, is the heart and soul of our cancer
center. Their expertise, attention to detail, service
orientation and warmth were on full display at our
recent site visit. We are grateful to have such a
wonderful team at the Karmanos Cancer
Institute.”
~Gerold Bepler, MD, PhD, Director
Connie Claybaker
Associate Center Director Research Administration
Karmanos Cancer Institute
Wayne State University
“When Anita joined our team in 2005, I announced that
she was our secret weapon. She had been through the
NCI designation process before and knew all the ins and
outs. She was what made our designation possible.
Cancer center administrators are the glue that holds
together the entire cancer center. There are so many
problems that cancer centers face. Only a good
administrator can find solutions to these problems. “
~Andrew Kraft, MD, Director
Anita Harrison, MPA
Associate Director of Administration
Hollings Cancer Center
Medical University of South Carolina
Lisa Sideras
Associate Director CCSG Administration
The Wistar Institute
“Lisa Sideras is an incredible engine that powers
all aspects of our cancer center with
dedication, enthusiasm, and passion. And, of
course, her spunk keeps everybody on their toes,
especially me.”
~Dario Altieri, MD, Director
“There is no way an NCI designated cancer center
could function without superb administration. I
have been blessed to have two of the very best Anita Harrison and Brian Springer. Their passion
and dedication as well as professionalism, make
them extraordinarily valuable to our center. ”
~Timothy Eberlein, MD, Director
Brian Springer, MHA
Executive Director
Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center
Washington University
Stephen Long
Associate Director for Administration
Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center
University of Maryland Medical Center
“Having just completed our NCI P30 site visit, I am
enormously grateful to the wonderful
administrative team we have assembled at
Maryland, led by Steve Long. They are the
engineers which keep the cancer center on track
and moving forward. What we do and what we
aspire to be would simply not be possible without
them. ”
~Kevin J. Cullen, MD, Director
“Bob Gerlach joined Norris Cotton Cancer Center in 2007, a time of very
rapid expansion for our Cancer Center. As Associate Director for
Administration and Scientific Affairs, he quietly and efficiently began to
develop effective policies to support the evolution of our Center. Bob leads
the execution of our Strategic Plan, supports operation of core research
infrastructure and our Office of Clinical Research, and drives the
development and implementation of Dartmouth’s CCSG and related grants.
In short order, Bob created a sea change at our Cancer Center, profoundly
transforming the operations of our research enterprise through dedicated
leadership and ably representing our Center at the highest administrative
levels across our parent institutions. I am deeply in his debt for his
outstanding major achievements and for those of the talented administrative
team he oversees.”
~Mark Israel, MD, Director
Robert W. Gerlach, MPA
Associate Director for Administration & Scientific Affairs
Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth Medical School
Jacqueline (Jackie, Jaq)
With a smile that beguiles
But honest to a fault
As subtle as a Mack truck
Keeping us(me) out of CCSG guidelines jail!
~Frank L. Meyskens, Jr., MD, FACP, Director
Jacqueline Tidball
Cancer Center Support Grant Administrator
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California Irvine
John Gricoski, CPA, MBA
Vice President Research Administration
Fox Chase Cancer Center
“From Eagle Scout to all-star CCSG Administrative
Leader John’s integrity, leadership, and
organizational skill served Fox Chase
extraordinarily well during its 2010-11 CCSG
submission. Thank you John.”
~Michael V. Seiden, MD, PhD
Beverly Ginsburg-Cooper
Senior Vice President for Research
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Harvard Cancer Center
“Bev Ginsburg-Cooper and her team are fantastic. Our CCSG
administration has to pull together grants, papers, compliance,
financial and administrative data for over 1100 faculty from 7
Institutions, over 700 clinical trials, and nearly $650 Milllion in
extramural grant funding, and have it all align with NCI rubrics not
designed to allow for this complexity. They deal with different
research office and clinical trials office structures at each
institution, different policies and different compliance cultures, and
do it all with aplomb. Somehow they make it all work. I think they
are the best in the business.”
~Edward Benz, Jr., MD, Director
Brian Nelson
Deputy Director Cancer Center Administration
The Mayo Clinic
“Managing the day-to-day operation of our large
comprehensive cancer center with more than 450 members
at three geographically separated sites in Minnesota, Arizona,
and Florida simply would not be possible without the strong
administrative leadership provided by both our Deputy
Director for Administration, Brian Nelson, and our Associate
Director for Administration, Drew Memmott.”
~Robert B. Diasio, M.D.
Drew Memmott
Associate Director for Administration
The Mayo Clinic
Ted Yank, MHA
Associate Director for Administration
Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center
Baylor College of Medicine
“Running a cancer center is clearly a team effort. The
importance of the Administrative team headed by Ted
Yank cannot be overstated. As Director I would be lost
without Ted and his group. Directing a cancer center
without abundant admin support would be impossible.”
~Kent Osborne, MD, Director
“Perhaps the best and most objective critique comes from our recent
CCSG review that commented on Tim Strawderman’s leadership as
follows: ‘The guiding principle for the Simmons Cancer Center
Administration defines Cancer Center members and leaders as the prime
customer with the role of administration being to anticipate their needs
through proactive support of the research endeavors. Dr. Strawderman
has built an organization that is service oriented in a manner that
doesn’t simply react to needs and challenges, but rather provides a
strong framework to support Cancer Center initiatives in multiple venues
and a variety of enterprises.’
Tim is respected by program leaders and resource directors for his
ability to get things done “with an absence of pain” (to quote one senior
leader).”
~James Willson, MD,
Director
Tim Strawderman, PhD
Director, Cancer Center Administration
Simmons Cancer Center
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Janet Villarmia, MBA
Associate Director for Administration & Education
Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Southern California
“Janet has the instinct and passion it takes to
make the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
work. She does it all with a sense of humor and
commitment. Without her, there
would no way that I could lead the
science to try and make cancer a
disease of the past.”
~Peter Jones, PhD, Dsc, Director
“The Cancer Center Support Grant is an integral
resource for research programs at The University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. We depend on our
excellent CCSG team, led by Alan McClelland, to ensure
it is administered with the utmost care and efficiency for
the benefit of our investigators. Alan and his team do an
outstanding job.”
~John Mendelsohn, MD, President
Alan McClelland
Associate Vice President
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas
Rhoda Arzoomanian
Associate Director of Administration
Carbone Cancer Center
University of Wisconsin
“Rhoda and I have worked together for 23 years
growing programs and now managing the
Carbone Cancer Center. Rhoda's energy,
personality and experience make her the "go to"
person at the Carbone Cancer Center. She keeps
us all on track and moving towards our goals.”
~George Wilding, MD, Director
Mary Sumpmann, RN, MS
Associate Director for Administration
Masonic Cancer Center
University of Minnesota
“I assumed the position of cancer center director in March
2007. Our cancer center support grant was due in January 2008,
clearly a very short timeline! Fortunately, I had the tremendous
help of Mary Sumpmann (Associate Director of Administration) and
her skilled, experienced staff. Mary had been involved in the cancer
center since Day 0, and her collective wisdom and experience was
invaluable. She helped me navigate the "sand traps" of the
application and site visit. We successfully reviewed our CCSG with
the center's best priority score ever. This certainly was due in great
part to Mary's assistance with the grant. I certainly would not have
taken the job as director if Mary was not willing to stay on!”
~Doug Yee, MD, Director
Amy Barach
CCSG Coordinator
UCSF Helen Diller Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center
“The role of the CCSG
Administrator is vitally
important in putting
a Center in a strong
position. Our administrator, Amy Barach, has played an
enormous role in the development of our Center.
Through her exceptional effort, she has guided our
Center through three successful round of competitive
renewal. Unfortunately for us, Amy has accepted an
outstanding position at City of Hope, and we wish her all
the very best in this new role.”
~Frank McCormick, PhD, Director
Eveline Hernandez, MBA
Cancer Center Associate Director Administration
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
“Eveline and Craig, many thanks for your hard work,
dedication and talent that you bring to SanfordBurnham’s Cancer Center. Without you, I would not be
getting e-mails from NCI as I just received today: “Thank
you for submitting such an outstanding Annual Progress
Report”! Best wishes, Kristiina”
~Kristiina Vuori, MD, PhD, Director
Craig Hauser, PhD
VP Scientific Resources
Associate Director of Shared Resources
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
“Over the past year we have put in place an entirely new administrative team.
Dina Gould Halme joined us in January 2010 from UCSF, where she played a
central role in program building and in obtaining a CTSA. This was only a year
before our CCSG renewal was due, and Dina not only had a steep learning curve,
but our administrative team was very thin. (As an aside, our administrative team
has always been understaffed, and it was only the dedicated -- even heroic -efforts of our prior Associate Director for Administration, Tom O'Leary, that we
were able to function effectively). Dina had to recruit new people into the office,
train them, initiate and complete the process for submitting the CCSG renewal,
and keep the normal functions of the research programs moving forward all at
the same time. She is an incredibly quick study, extremely well-organized, with a
great balance of insightful creativity and goal-oriented focus...”
~Michael J. Weber, PhD, Director
Dina Gould Halme, PhD
Associate Director for Research
Program Administration
University of Virginia Cancer Center
Robert DuWors
Deputy Director Administration & Finance
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California Los Angeles
“Rob DuWors is the consummate professional. He
has had a dramatic and lasting impact on the
Jonsson Cancer Center, the Broad Stem Cell
Center and many other research units at UCLA.
Rob has also has a wicked sense of humor.”
~Judith Gasson, PhD, Director
Lauren Hackett, MPA
Executive Director for Administration
NYU Cancer Institute
NYU Langone Medical Center
“Lauren Hackett is the "compass" of the NYU Cancer
Institute. Her insight, dedication and interpersonal skills
have had a dramatic impact at a time of enormous
growth for the Institute. There is no doubt that we
would not be where we are today if it wasn't for
Lauren's leadership.”
~William Carroll, MD, Director
“The RHLCCC Administrative leaders are
the heart and soul of our institution. Our
success reflects their talent and
commitment to our worthy mission. I have
great admiration and respect for each
member of our team. Their efforts are
appreciated by our patients, their families
and the community we serve.”
~Steven T. Rosen, MD, Director
Tim Volpe
Associate Director for Administration
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University
Teresa Christenson
Associate Director of Administration
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
“Everyone at The University of Kansas Cancer Center
would like to thank Teresa Christenson and Lisa HarlanWilliams for all of their hard work and dedication devoted
to our quest to achieve NCI designation for our Cancer
Center. Their work ethic, knowledge, and Herculean
efforts in this cause are truly an inspiration.”
~Roy A. Jensen, M.D., Director
Lisa Harlan-Williams, PhD
Assistant Director of Administration
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Jeanine Stiles
Associate Director for Administration
University of California Davis Cancer Center
“NCI Designated Cancer Centers are at the
core of our country’s fight against
cancer. At UC Davis, our contribution to
this effort revolves around our true leader
Jeanine Stiles.”
~Ralph W. de Vere White, MD, Director
“The backbone of every NCI designated cancer center is its CCSG
administrator and administrative team. Without their dedication,
hard work, and attention to detail, much of the important
collaborative work at the centers would grind to a halt. Their
work is critical to the advances that we have made and will
continue to make against cancers.
The hard work and efforts of our CCSG administrator and all the
members of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center's administrative
team are as essential to improving the lives of our patients as the
many discoveries at the bench, the innovative treatment in the
clinic or the compassionate touch of a bedside caregiver.”
~Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Director
Susan Mills
Associate Director for Administration
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Christine Scarcello, MBA
Director of Research Operations
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
“It’s very simple, without my administrative
team, what we have been able to achieve at Ohio
State would simply be a fantastic - and
unrealized - dream. They are the critical support
structure on which we have and will continue to
build into the future…..period!”
~Michael Caligiuri, MD, Director
“Ira Goodman has been critical to the success of
the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. He helps to
plan the grants, manages the budget, and looks
out for the staff, allowing me to focus my time
on the cancer problem. I confide in Ira, value his
advice, and could not lead the institution without
him. We are a true team.”
~Dennis Carson, MD, Director
Ira Goodman
Associate Director for Administration
Moores Cancer Center
UC San Diego
“Ever since she joined Medical College of Wisconsin
Cancer Center from Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical
University of South Carolina, Andrea took the lead role in
assembling an effective administrative team and assisting
in the development of a five-year strategic plan. Andrea’s
past experience, dedication, and passion will be crucial in
the implementation of our strategic plan and in helping
the Medical College Wisconsin Cancer Center to achieve
NCI designation in the near future.”
~Ming You, MD, PhD, Director
Andrea Brown, MBA
Associate Director of Administration
Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
Renae Hepler
Administrative Director
Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah
“Huntsman Cancer Institute acknowledges Mr. Scott Lloyd and
Ms. Renae Hepler:
From shared resources to human resources, from grants to
compliance, from CVs to site visits, from intraprogrammatic to
interprogrammatic, from Summary 1 to Summary 2A to Summary
2B to Summary 3 to Summary 4 to Summary 5, our NCIdesignated Cancer Center depends on your expertise, your
collaborative style, and your commitment to excellence in all we
do. THANK YOU.”
~Mary Beckerle, PhD, Executive Director