About the NCI Council of Research Advocates
The Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR) manages the NCI Council of Research Advocates (NCRA), the only federal advisory committee comprised solely of advocate leaders at NCI. NCRA convenes around broad cancer research issues and provides the Director with advice and strategic insights from the community's perspective.
NCRA members are selected for their expert knowledge of cancer research and policy, as well as their ability to represent a broad patient perspective.
Prior NCRA meeting agendas and summaries can be found through the NCI Division of Extramural Activities.
Chair
Annie Ellis
2024
Research Advocate
Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
New York, New York
Members
Melinda Bachini
2024
Director of Patient Services
2024
Director of Patient Services
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Herriman, Utah
Herriman, Utah
Yelak S. Biru
2024
CEO
2024
CEO
International Myeloma Foundation
North Hollywood, California
North Hollywood, California
Victoria Buenger, Ph.D.
2025
President Emeritus
Coalition Against Childhood Cancer Bryan, Texas
Melissa F. Buffalo
2025
Chief Executive Officer
American Indian Cancer Foundation
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Marty Chakoian
2026
Board of Directors
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Seattle, Washington
Nathaniel Ferre
2026
Associate Consultant
Chartis Oncology Solutions
Chicago, Illinois
Joya Delgado Harris, M.P.H.
2026
Executive Director
CEO Roundtable on Cancer
Morrisville, North Carolina
Brittany Avin McKelvey, Ph.D.
2026
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Friends of Cancer Research
Washington, District of Columbia
Hartley M. Lee Jones
2027
Research Advocate
SWOG Cancer Research Network Portland, Oregon
Robert Riter
2026
Patient Advocate
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Kristen C. Santiago
2024
2024
Research Advocate Washington, District of Columbia
Jacqueline D. Smith
2024
Research Advocate Washington, District of Columbia
Kevin J. Stemberger
2024
Research Advocate
Co-Founder and Partner
Noble Capital Partners, LLC
Farmington Hills, Michigan
2024
Research Advocate
Co-Founder and Partner
Noble Capital Partners, LLC
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nicole E. Willmarth, Ph.D.
2024
Chief Mission Officer
American Brain Tumor Association
Chicago, Illinois
2024
Chief Mission Officer
American Brain Tumor Association
Chicago, Illinois