Advisory boards gather virtually, renew connections

Embodying the theme “Whatever It Takes,” MD Anderson’s two advisory boards gathered remotely Nov. 6, 2020, for their first-ever combined virtual annual meeting. More than 250 members and guests tuned in to the online event, whose format was necessitated by COVID-19 precautions.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV), the institution’s nonfiduciary appointed advisory board, has advanced MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer since 1956. BOV members offer advice and counsel to institutional leadership, raise awareness of MD Anderson’s world-class initiatives, lead fundraising efforts, and commit their own financial resources toward Making Cancer History®.

The Advance Team (AT), MD Anderson’s voluntary advisory board of next-generation business and community leaders, has built on that legacy since 2001 through community-based efforts focusing on basic science research, cancer prevention and education.

Joining incoming BOV Chair Don Evans of Midland as Officers Committee members were Clarence Cazalot Jr., of Houston, chair-elect; Jim Gallogly, of Houston, vice chair; and Marsha M. Shields, of San Antonio, immediate past chair. The Officers Committee also includes Maureen Hackett, Tom Johnson and Melvyn N. Klein, vice chairs. These officers lead restructured BOV working groups that align with a new Strategy for the institution. Officers officially welcomed 15 new members and recognized two new Life Members, Regina Rogers of Beaumont and Klein of Corpus Christi.

“This is an exciting time to be part of Making Cancer History,” Evans said. “There are many important initiatives underway at MD Anderson and myriad opportunities for you to engage in the life of the institution. As MD Anderson continues its patient-centered, strategic rebound and recovery from the pandemic, the board’s support of Dr. Pisters, executive leaders, faculty and staff has never been more critical.”

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson, thanked members for their service. “We are privileged to welcome these outstanding new members and to formally express our appreciation for two longtime ambassadors of MD Anderson’s cancer research, patient care, education and prevention initiatives,” he said. Pisters shared preliminary news about the institution’s strategic planning efforts, with a more focused discussion that followed in January.