CANCER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

CLC Identifies Desirable Qualities for NCI Director
(July 17, 2009)

July 17, 2009

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The undersigned organizations dedicated to cancer research, diagnosis and care applaud your commitment to the cancer research enterprise in the form of enhanced funding for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In order to take optimal advantage of this important investment by the American people and to ensure that such funds are appropriately managed, the appointment of the Director of the NCI is critical.

In anticipation of the appointment of a new NCI Director, our groups have developed a joint recommendation for qualities necessary in any candidate for this position. After extensive consultation, we have determined that the new NCI Director should be an individual who:

Enjoys an outstanding research record and the respect of peers in cancer research;
Possesses an understanding of translational and clinical research and an appreciation of the need for a balanced portfolio of basic and applied research;
Is willing to maintain a high level of transparency and accountability regarding the NCI research program by engaging patient advocates and others outside the NCI organization in priority setting and portfolio review;
Recognizes the necessity of research collaboration with extramural research organizations, including private research foundations and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries;
Possesses management experience adaptable to budgetary environments of either restraint or growth and capable of creating a climate of collaboration among senior managers of the Institute; and
Embraces an integrated and comprehensive approach to cancer care and research, encouraging research across the continuum of care.

We strongly urge you to consider these qualities of consultation and collaboration in making your choice of a new NCI Director and look forward to working with you and your Administration for the benefit of people with, or at risk for, cancer.

Sincerely,

Cancer Leadership Council

American Psychosocial Oncology Society
American Society for Radiation Oncology
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Cancer Care
The Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy
Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups
International Myeloma Foundation
Kidney Cancer Association
Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Lymphoma Research Foundation
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
North American Brain Tumor Coalition
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Sarcoma Foundation of America
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
The Wellness Community

cc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius

CANCER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

CLC Identifies Desirable Qualities for NCI Director (July 17, 2009)

CLC Identifies Desirable Qualities for NCI Director
(July 17, 2009)