Following a national search, Kathleen Goss, PhD, has been named the Executive Director of Cancer Research Administration for the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC), effective January 5, 2026.
Goss brings extensive leadership experience in cancer research administration, most recently serving as the Senior Scientific Director for Extramural Discovery Science at the American Cancer Society (ACS), the nation’s largest nongovernmental funder of cancer research. At ACS, Goss also served as the Senior Vice President for Patient Support Partnerships and Capacity Building.
Prior to ACS, Goss was the Associate Director for Administration at UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2019 to 2021.
As the Executive Director for Cancer Research Administration, Goss will have oversight of all matters pertaining to the administration of the UCCCC, including research, training and education, shared resources, grant preparation, financial and budgetary leadership, and informatics support across clinical trials and research activities.
“This is a vital leadership role and will have a significant impact on the future of cancer research and care at the University of Chicago,” said Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, director of the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dean for Oncology in the University’s Biological Sciences Division. “We are excited to welcome Kathy back in this new capacity and look forward to her leadership as we continue to grow our cancer research and care programs."
“I am thrilled to return to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, a world-class cancer center distinguished by its scientific innovation and unwavering dedication to those we serve,” Goss said. “The future is incredibly bright for the UCCCC, and I look forward to supporting our team, elevating our mission, and driving progress for patients, families and the community."
For purposes of the grant that supports Comprehensive Cancer Center designation by the National Cancer Institute, the Executive Director of Cancer Research Administration serves as the Associate Director for Administration.
