University of Chicago's Le Beau to lead the Association of American Cancer Institutes

University of Chicago's Le Beau to lead the Association of American Cancer Institutes

October 29, 2012

Michelle M. Le Beau, PhD, director of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, will be the new president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) effective November 1, the association announced.

"It's an exciting challenge and honor to lead AACI, a vibrant organization whose multidisciplinary programs have had a lasting impact on cancer research and care," Le Beau said. "I'm delighted to work with the leaders of our nation's cancer research enterprise in advancing our collective mission of translating cancer research into improved patient care, cancer prevention, and community outreach."

Representing 95 of the nation's premier academic and free-standing cancer research centers, the Association of American Cancer Institutes is dedicated to promoting leading research institutions' efforts to eradicate cancer through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program of cancer research, treatment, patient care, prevention, education and community outreach.

"I look forward to Michelle's leadership of AACI," said AACI Executive Director Barbara Duffy Stewart. "As an administrator and researcher, Michelle has a deep understanding of the needs of the talented individuals who work together to build a cancer center. Her expertise and knowledge will be invaluable as AACI continues to focus on persisting challenges faced by cancer centers."

Le Beau succeeds William S. Dalton, PhD, MD, longtime head of the Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa. Dalton stepped down in August as president, chief executive and center director at Moffitt to focus on leading Moffitt's new Personalized Medicine Institute, as well as continuing to serve as chief executive officer of M2Gen, Moffitt's biotechnology subsidiary.

"It has been a privilege having had the opportunity to lead AACI," Dalton said. "Barbara Stewart and her staff perform a vital function for cancer institutes and cancer patients and I am confident that they will continue to provide world class service to the cancer research community under Dr. Le Beau's leadership."

Le Beau was elected as AACI's Vice President/President-Elect in October 2011.