Leadership, Planning, and Evaluation (LPE)

At the Salk Cancer Center (SCC), overall responsibility for planning and evaluation rests with the Director, Reuben Shaw, PhD, who sets the vision and strategic processes to intensify the growth and impact of SCC’s cancer research, training, and community impact. Shaw transformed SCC’s Senior Leadership team in 2021 with well-defined roles and responsibilities, enhancing the culture of engagement, input, and continuous improvement. He embarked on refreshing SCC internal and external advisory committees and creating new ones. Internal advisory bodies currently include the Executive Committee (EC), Research Program Planning Committee, Shared Resource Management Group (SRMG), and Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) Committee. The External Advisory Board (EAB) plays an essential role in the planning and evaluation process and has been revitalized in the current funding period. Informed by these committees, Senior Leaders led several evaluation and transformation processes during this cycle, including: 1) development of a new SCC Strategic Plan; 2) reassessment of SCC membership to improve cancer focus; 3) restructuring of Research Programs to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan and foster transdisciplinary collaboration and impact; and 4) evaluation of Shared Resources. Building upon the successes of the prior strategic plan and to catalyze further strategic growth, the Specific Aims of Leadership, Planning, and Evaluation are: Aim 1. To lead efforts to execute the SCC Strategic Plan (2023-2028) Aim 2. To leverage the talent and multidisciplinary expertise of a strong, collaborative senior leadership team, as well as feedback from SCC members, Institute stakeholders, and internal/external advisory groups, to ensure continuous improvement and innovation within the SCC Research Programs, Shared Resources, education and training activities, and diversity initiatives. Aim 3. To lead efforts to develop and execute the next Strategic Plan (2028-2033), thereby ensuring continued excellence of the SCC. Impact: During the current grant period, these rigorous planning and evaluation mechanisms have promoted cohesion in planning and communication, guided proactive decision-making and new investments, and ensured close monitoring of progress and timely course-corrections to foster the significant achievements described in this component of the CCSG application. A major achievement during the current funding period was the recruitment of new faculty colleagues, including one full professor hire, five new assistant professors, and a new Salk fellow (straight from their PhD to an independent PI position).