Key Highlights
- Robert L. Ferris appointed as executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Ferris will also serve as UNC system chief of oncology services.
- Succeeds Shelley Earp, who served as director from 1997-2014 and 2018-2024.
- Ferris previously led UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, increasing research funding significantly.
- Effective October 1st, announced by UNC School of Medicine Dean Wesley Burks, MD.
Source: Business Wire
Notable Quote
- “Bob Ferris is an exceptional cancer physician-scientist, a highly skilled health executive with deep experience leading a NCI comprehensive cancer center, and a person with a genuine passion for service to others.” — Wesley Burks, MD, Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs at UNC School of Medicine and CEO at UNC Health
SoHC's Take
The appointment of Dr. Robert L. Ferris as the new executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center marks a significant milestone for the institution. Ferris’s extensive background in cancer immunotherapy and leadership at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center positions him uniquely to advance UNC Lineberger’s mission. His track record of increasing research funding and securing prestigious grants underscores his capability to drive forward innovative cancer research and treatment programs. This transition not only honors the legacy of previous leaders like Shelley Earp but also promises to usher in a new era of excellence and growth for the cancer center.
