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About the NCI Council of Research Advocates

Image of the 2023 NCI Council of Research Advocates (NCRA) Board Members

NCI Council of Research Advocates (NCRA) Board Members

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
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Herriman, Utah
 
Yelak S. Biru
2024
CEO
International Myeloma Foundation
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
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
 
Nicole E. Willmarth, Ph.D.
2024
Chief Mission Officer
American Brain Tumor Association
Chicago, Illinois

 

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