Dr. Christina Annunziata Named Senior Vice President for Extramural Discovery Science

ATLANTA, June 1, 2023 - Dr. Christina Annunziata will join the American Cancer Society (ACS) as senior vice president for extramural discovery science (EDS), where she will oversee critical relationships with top cancer researchers across the nation, leading the ACS grant review process. In her new role, Annunziata will also work to build strong connections within the scientific community and play an essential part in ACS's vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

"Dr. Annunziata's wealth of experience makes her an excellent leader for our EDS department, which represents the nation's largest private not-for-profit source of cancer research and training funds," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society. "Dr. Annunziata is an expert on the molecular mechanisms of cancer, on ovarian cancer, and on cancer signaling and pathways, and her background will help further ACS's work to eliminate cervical cancer through vaccinations, screening and prevention."

Annunziata joins ACS from the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research, where she is a senior investigator and directs clinical operations for the Women's Malignancies Branch. She is also head of the Translational Genomics Section.

"Dr. Annunziata will serve as a key thought leader, critical to our goal of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, chief executive officer at ACS and ACS CAN. "She's not only an exceptional scientist committed to leveraging cancer research to save lives, but Dr. Annunziata is also a passionate advocate for closing disparity gaps."

A mentor to more than 50 students throughout her career, Annunziata is known for her commitment to inspiring the next generation of researchers. Her trainees have gone on to win competitive awards and funding, including the ASCO Young Investigator Award and the National Institutes of Health Bench to Bedside Award.

Annunziata is also a prolific author and noted public speaker. She earned her medical degree and doctoral degree at Georgetown University.

Annunziata begins her new role at ACS on July 10, 2023.

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About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.  We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.