MD Anderson announces new leadership structure
Changes made to better enable teamwork and decision-making
MD Anderson News Release June 29, 2017
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a new leadership structure designed to enhance teamwork and collaborative decision-making. It is effective today.
The new structure is based on advancing institutional priorities of financial sustainability, connecting the MD Anderson community to its decision-making process and improved teamwork. Outcomes will include improved clarity in decision-making, increased integration and agility, and a structure that facilitates a team-based culture. It also reinforces MD Anderson’s leadership in cancer care, research, education and prevention.
“During this transition period, we have a responsibility to ensure MD Anderson is strong and focused on the future,” said Marshall E. Hicks, M.D., president ad interim. “We already are seeing positive changes, most notably with improvements in our financial performance. We want to continue positioning MD Anderson and our next president for success.”
In the new structure, senior vice presidents will be charged with focused areas of responsibility, allowing them to work within their teams and across the institution to do what’s best for patients and the mission. The senior leadership team has been streamlined and no longer includes executive vice president roles. Dan Fontaine previously announced his retirement and will serve as a senior advisor until January 2018. Dr. Tom Buchholz will continue his role as professor of Radiation Oncology and will remain engaged in the institution’s philanthropic and corporate sponsorship activities. Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky will devote his talent and energy to support the institution’s Cancer Center Support Grant and will return to his scholarship at MD Anderson.
“Through their leadership, Dan, Tom and Ethan will continue their valuable contributions to MD Anderson. We greatly appreciate their commitment to our patients and to our mission to end cancer,” said Dr. Hicks.
These changes create a more diverse leadership team, built of leaders who know the institution and its needs. No new hires or additional costs are needed to support the new structure.
“Just as we care for our patients in a multidisciplinary way, in this structure, the resources, functions and people are coming together to work toward that same goal,” said Steve Hahn, M.D., deputy president and chief operating officer. “This structure allows all constituents to have representation on the senior leadership team. It will foster greater collaboration and transparency throughout the institution.”
View the new structure by clicking here and a short video here.