Leadership

Dedicated to delivering on the mission of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, our leadership team oversees our cancer research, patient care, training and education, and community outreach and engagement.

Dr. Suresh Ramalingam talking to colleague in the lab

Executive Director

Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO
Executive Director, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

As Executive Director, Dr. Ramalingam leads the growth and development of cancer research, clinical care and education at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

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Suresh Ramalingam, MD, outside the entrance to Winship Cancer Institute

Deputy Director

Adam Marcus, PhD
Deputy Director, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

As Deputy Director, Dr. Marcus leads the integration of the research, clinical and educational components within Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

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Lawrence Boise, PhD Associate Director for Education and Training

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Cell and Molecular Biology

Dr. Boise leads and coordinates research education, training and mentorship activities at the cancer center as well as cultivates additional cancer-specific educational opportunities across the spectrum of learners.

Sheryl M. Bluestein, MBA, MHA, Senior Vice President, Cancer Service Line Operations

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Sheryl functions as the executive leader overseeing cancer service line operations at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Theresa W. Gillespie, PhD, MA, BSN, FAAN Associate Director for Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Dr. Gillespie provides vision and oversight for Winship’s community-facing activities through its Community Outreach and Engagement program.

Ildemaro J. González, MBA Chief Diversity Officer

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Mr. Gonzalez oversees diversity, equity and inclusion strategies at Winship to impact the Institute's research, clinical care, people and community priorities while ensuring coordination and alignment with Emory Healthcare and Emory University.

Douglas K. Graham, MD, PhD Chief and William G. Woods, M.D. Chair

Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center

Research Program

Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics

Dr. Graham leads the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Kimberly F. Kerstann, PhD Chief Administrative Officer

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

As a member of the Winship senior leadership team, Dr. Kerstann oversees Winship's administrative, business, and clinical research operations.

Timothy L. Lash, DSc, MPH Associate Director of Population Sciences

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Dr. Lash directs the integration and strategic growth of population science-based research throughout Winship and its research programs.

Gregory B. Lesinski, PhD, MPH Associate Director for Basic Research and Shared Resources

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Cancer Immunology

Dr. Lesinski provides oversight and direction for the development and growth of Winship's basic scientific activities across the cancer center’s four research programs.

Sagar Lonial, MD, FACP Chief Medical Officer

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics

Internationally recognized as a leading authority in multiple myeloma treatment and research, Dr. Lonial collaborates with leadership as Chief Medical Officer to coordinate and enhance clinical services and patient care throughout Winship.

Ajay K. Nooka, MD, MPH, FACP Associate Director of Clinical Research

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Dr. Nooka provides strategic oversight for all clinical research conducted at Winship, with a focus on supporting high-quality, safe and ethical research and ensuring that patients have equitable access to Winship’s innovative clinical trials.

Stacy L. Palmer, MBA Vice President of Cancer Clinical Administration and Strategy

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Ms. Palmer is responsible for coordinating Winship's clinical strategy and supporting standardization of cancer care across Emory Healthcare's clinical sites and partners.

Maria C. Russell, MD Chief Quality Officer

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

A surgical expert in the care of complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary malignancies, Dr. Russell as chief quality officer collaborates with Winship leadership on tracking and improving patient services and satisfaction as well as focusing on cancer outcomes.