Leadership, Planning and Evaluation

Columbia University Health Sciences, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The overarching goals of Leadership, Planning, and Evaluation (LPE) are to create and sustain the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) vision, namely Discoveries Here Will End Cancer Everywhere, by nurturing an innovative nimble leadership team, buttressed by internal and external advisors and involvement of HICCC Members for prioritization of opportunities. The vision is achieved through a multi-pronged mission to: (1) foster discovery science; (2) translate discoveries to innovative clinical trials and interdisciplinary, comprehensive, compassionate care; (3) enable cancer research career development; and (4) promote bidirectional community outreach and engagement. This is promulgated through the Strategic Plan, developed and implemented by the HICCC leadership, with wide institutional engagement. Anil K. Rustgi, MD, a renowned physician-scientist and HICCC Director since 2019, oversees LPE and the development and implementation of the HICCC Strategic Plans and did the prior CCSG renewal. Rustgi is supported by an experienced and cohesive team of senior leaders including a Deputy Director, Dawn Hershman, MD MS, and 11 Associate Directors (ADs), each with well-defined complementary roles and accountability. ADs meet regularly, individually and collectively, with Rustgi and Hershman to discuss strategic issues, recommendations, and implementation. The Cancer Center Leadership Team (CCLT) includes the senior leaders, Research Program Co-Leaders, and Co-Directors of the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Office. This leadership structure oversees and implements strategy and decision-making in a cohesive and effective manner through weekly CCLT meetings, where strategic and operational matters are discussed. A robust advisory committee structure exists, which includes Internal, External, and Community Boards, a Patient and Family Advisory Council, and an Internal Advisory Committees to the Office for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC). Under Rustgi, the HICCC has established a vision that will help realize its full potential over the next project period and beyond. Care is taken to ensure responsiveness to the CCSG Summary Statement, changing expectations for NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and ongoing feedback and guidance from advisory committees and HICCC Members. All contributors and advisors have enthusiastically endorsed the current (2020-2025) and new (2025-2030) Strategic Plan, along with all future initiatives. The current LPE, hallmarked by active listening and an unyielding commitment to serving the Catchment Area, has resulted in unprecedented growth, evidenced throughout the application in noteworthy accomplishments, including in translation of discoveries to the clinic, and plans for the Research Programs, COE, CRTEC, Clinical Protocol and Data Management, Development Funds, and Shared Resources.