Leadership
Dedicated to upholding the mission of Winship Cancer Institute, the leadership team oversees the ground breaking research and the world renowned patient care at Winship.
Adam Marcus, PhD
- Interim Executive Director
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
A national leader in the research and understanding of how cancer cells invade and metastasize, Dr. Marcus is the interim executive director for Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.
Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FASCO
- Deputy Director
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
As Deputy Director, Dr. Ramalingam leads the integration of the research, clinical, and educational components within Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Lawrence Boise, PhD
- Associate Director for Education and Training
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
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.

Melissa S. Childress, MBA
- Vice President of Cancer Services
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Ms. Childress is responsible for helping to drive coordinated cancer services along with hospital and clinic leadership across multiple hospitals within Emory Healthcare.

Bassel El-Rayes, MD
- Associate Director for Clinical Research
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. El-Rayes is the chief clinical research scientist responsible for coordinating and providing high-level direction to the clinical cancer research programs and clinical cancer trials across the Emory campuses.

Charise Gleason, MSN, NP-BC, AOCNP
- Advance Practice Provider Chief
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Ms. Gleason leads the Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners for Winship across Emory Healthcare overseeing clinical practice, quality, safety, education, and the APP fellowship.

Douglas K. Graham, MD, PhD
- Director and Daniel P. Amos Children's Chair
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
Dr. Graham serves as the director of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Kimberly F. Kerstann, PhD
- Senior Director for Research Administration
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Kerstann serves as a member of the Winship senior leadership team to ensure the coordination and implementation of transdisciplinary and collaborative research programs.

Sagar Lonial, MD, FACP
- Chief Medical Officer
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
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.

Colleen McBride, PhD
- Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. McBride provides vision and oversight for Winship’s community-facing activities including efforts in cancer health disparities, recruitment of underserved populations to clinical trials, cancer risk mitigation, cancer prevention, and cancer control interventions.

Charles A. Staley, MD
- Chief Quality Officer
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Staley leads the surgical oncology team and as Chief Quality Officer works collaboratively with leadership on tracking and improving patient services and satisfaction as well as focusing on cancer outcomes at Winship.

Lana K. Uhrig, PhD, MBA, RN
- Vice President of Cancer Nursing
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Uhrig leads the ambulatory oncology nursing teams for Winship across Emory Healthcare and oversees clinical quality, safety, outcomes, education, and oncology nursing research.