I am pleased to announce the appointment of J. Alan Diehl, PhD as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer (DD/COO) of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC). This newly created role, established in the context of my taking on the role of interim Dean, will provide substantive oversight of the Cancer Center to pursue its mission to advance cancer research, training, community outreach and local and national impact as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Diehl will work closely with me to coordinate activities based on the recently updated strategic plan, the priorities identified by the Executive Committee (of which he has been a member since arriving at Case Western Reserve University), and to augment existing efforts towards large multi-investigator initiatives and grant applications.
Alan is well suited for this Deputy Director role. He joined Case Western Reserve University in 2019 as the Chair of the Department of Biochemistry in the School of Medicine. Alan brings decades of leadership experience in NCI-designated cancer centers, first as Director of the Cancer Cell Biology Program at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and most recently as Associate Director of Basic Science at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Alan’s personal research focuses on the discovery of molecular mechanisms that contribute to uncontrolled cell proliferation and decreased cell death. He is an expert in Program Project Grants (PPGs) and has already advised multiple Case CCC member groups gearing towards submissions. Alan also serves on multiple External Advisory Boards for NCI-designated cancer centers.
Please join me in congratulating Alan on this new leadership role!
Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center