University of Illinois Cancer Center Leadership

Jan Kitajewski, PhD

Cancer Center Director

Vijayakrishna 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, Career Enhancement and Education

Yamilé Molina, PhD

Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement

Donald Vander Griend, PhD

Associate Director, Shared Resources

Kent Hoskins, MD

Associate Director, Translational Research

Heather Prendergast, MD

Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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. 

Our Leaders

University of Illinois Cancer Center Administration

Sandeep Kataria, MBA

Director, Oncology Bioinformatics

Farah Mirza

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

Associate Director, Research Operations

Margaret Wright Geise

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