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.
Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, FACR
- Executive Director
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
An international expert in advanced lung cancer and malignant brain tumors, Dr. Curran has been Executive Director of Winship since 2009.
Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD
- 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.
Carla J. Berg, PhD
- Associate Director of Population Sciences
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Berg is responsible for the strategic growth of population sciences activities at Winship. Population science studies in cancer examine patterns and behaviors relating to cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
Deborah Watkins Bruner, RN, PhD, FAAN
- Associate Director for Mentorship, Education and Training
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Bruner oversees program development, facilitates implementation and develops metrics and evaluation while working closely with Winship program leadership and the Mentorship Advisory Board to develop goals and strategies for faculty excellence.
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.
David M. Edwards, MBA
- Senior Director of Development
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Mr. Edwards leads a team that is responsible for securing private donations to support cancer research at Winship Cancer Institute.
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.
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.
Adam Marcus, PhD
- Associate Director for Basic Research and Shared Resources
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Dr. Marcus provides oversight and direction for the development and growth of Winship's shared resources and its basic scientific activities across all of Winship's four research programs.
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.