Leadership
Quality and cutting-edge cancer research calls for strong leadership. At the University of Illinois Cancer Center, we are dedicated to supporting cancer research in the long term in order to reduce cancer disparities, promote health equity, and improve outcomes for all patients.
Senior Leadership
Jan Kitajewski, PhD
Cancer Center Director
VK Gadi, MD, PhD
Cancer Center Deputy Director
Ahlam Al-Kodmany, PhD
Associate Director, Administration
Marian Fitzgibbon, PhD
Associate Director, Population Sciences
Nissim Hay, PhD
Associate Director, Basic Science
Oana Danciu, MD
Associate Director, Clinical Research
Larisa Nonn, PhD
Associate Director, Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination
Yamilé Molina, PhD
Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement
Donald Vander Griend, PhD
Associate Director, Shared Resources
Kent Hoskins, MD
Medical Director, Oncology Service Line
Heather Prendergast, MD
Associate Director, Faculty Development and Leadership
Pamela Ganschow, MD
Director, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Clinical Programs
Administrative Leadership
Sandeep Kataria, MBA
Director, Oncology Informatics
Farah Mirza, MBA
Director, CCSG Administration
Ron Smith, CPA, MBA
Director, Finance/Business
Mary Song-Abundo
Director, Human Resources
Jane Erb
Senior Director, Development
Rocio Bueno, MPA, CRA
Director, Research Operations
Margaret Wright Geise, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
Darlene Kitterman, MBA
Administrative Director, Clinical Trials Office
Dedra Ries, MPH
Director, Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity (CEHE)
Deanna Bellandi, MPH
Director, Marketing & Communications
Gayle Payonk, RN, MHA
Director, Cancer Clinic – UI Health Outpatient Care Center
Ian Jasenof, MD
Director, Strategic FQHC Partnerships
Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, PhD(c), MBA, MPH
Director, Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC)
