Karmanos Cancer Institute Announces Interim Leadership

DETROIT, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Karmanos Cancer Center boards of directors today announced that effective immediately Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D. has been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Broughton has been appointed Interim Chief Operating Officer.

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“Dr. Schwartz is an excellent choice to lead us during this period of transition,” said Alan S. Schwartz, Chair, Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors. “As Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Ann will focus on leading the Institute’s scientific direction, while continuing our outstanding world-class research in basic, clinical and population sciences,” noted Alan Schwartz.

Having rejoined the Karmanos faculty 10 years ago, Dr. Schwartz, who is unrelated to Alan Schwartz, has extensive experience and knowledge of the Institute.

Previous to this appointment, Dr. Schwartz served as the Associate Center Director for Population Sciences at Karmanos since 2002. Her research focuses on the genetics underlying lung cancer risk. She has an M.S. in Biology from Wayne State University, an M.P.H. in Environmental Health from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Dr. Schwartz’ first faculty appointment was with the Michigan Cancer Foundation in 1986. She spent 1991-1999 at the University of Pittsburgh and the MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine. She returned to Karmanos in 1999. Dr. Schwartz has been the recipient of continuous grant support from the National Institutes of Health for more than 20 years.

As Interim Chief Operating Officer, Broughton’s main responsibilities include the smooth and efficient operation of the Karmanos Cancer Center to ensure the delivery of high quality care at the hospital and all of the Karmanos clinical operations while continuing their profitability.

Broughton served on both Karmanos boards through December 2007 and was a member of the Institute’s Finance and Compensation committees. Prior to his retirement, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Harper Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

He is also a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow in the Hospital Financial Management Association.

“Ann will work directly with Paul Broughton, our Interim Chief Operating Officer, to continue our excellence in clinical care for our patients. Both Ann and Paul have extensive knowledge and understanding of our commitment to patient care and cancer research,” said Alan Schwartz.

“I am delighted that Ann Schwartz was named interim chief executive officer of the Karmanos Cancer Institute,” said Wayne State University President Jay Noren. “As an experienced researcher and administrator, Dr. Schwartz will be a significant asset for the Institute as it continues to fulfill and expand its role as one of the nation’s preeminent cancer research and treatment centers.”

“The faculty and staff of the Wayne State University School of Medicine are looking forward to working closely with Dr. Schwartz as she assumes leadership of the Karmanos Cancer Institute,” said Robert Mentzer, M.D., dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “The medical school and the Institute have a tradition of cooperation in medical research, patient care and teaching that has become a model for medical institutions across the country.”

“I have worked with Ann for more than six years. She is an exemplary researcher who is dedicated to finding a cure for this insidious disease. She is a strong leader and will serve the Institute well during this transition,” said John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., the outgoing president and CEO of the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Karmanos board leadership has worked closely with Wayne State University and its School of Medicine throughout the process of naming an interim leader and will continue to do so as they engage in a nationwide search for the permanent position.

About The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute