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

Grant Number: 5P30CA142543-15
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Carlos Arteaga