Leadership, Planning, and Evaluation

Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center’s (SCCC) vision is to become a preeminent leader in translating scientific discovery into cancer prevention and world-class care with an emphasis on community engagement efforts to eradicate cancer disparities in Texas and beyond. This vision is realized though SCCC’s mission to ease the burden of cancer through ground-breaking discovery, transdisciplinary research, impactful community engagement, education, and exceptional patient care. It is pursued through a multi-faceted, dynamic planning and evaluation process that is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan as well as input from both internal and external advisory entities. Renowned translational researcher and Center Director Carlos L. Arteaga, MD, who arrived from the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in 2017, has been instrumental in leading efforts to recast a reinvigorated mission, vision, and road map for SCCC. Arteaga’s highly experienced and engaged team of eight Associate Directors form an Executive Committee (EC), which is responsible for advising him on the establishment of policies and practices for the management of SCCC and prioritizing new opportunities and investments. More importantly, the EC is responsible for the