ACCA Affinity Groups

ACCA’s Affinity Groups can help you connect with your colleagues throughout the year, beyond a conference or an event, and are tailored to your interests and your role within your cancer center. If you’re interested in joining any of these groups or their ongoing discussions (i.e., virtual meetups), please reach out directly to the contact(s) listed below.

 Cancer Research, Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC)

The Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) ACCA Affinity Group evolved from the long-standing CRTEC Admin Network (CAN) — a national peer group founded in 2019 by Nishtha Agarwal (UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center) and Jennifer Seuferer (UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center). The group is now led by a Leadership Team that also includes Rachel Sorensen (Siteman Cancer Center) and Andrea Brocato (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center).

The CAN was a grassroots initiative launched to connect administrative professionals supporting cancer research education and training programs across emerging and NCI-designated Cancer Centers. Over time, it evolved into a vital resource for administrators and faculty, fostering a community of practice focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and operational excellence. Today, the CAN includes over 200 members nationwide and actively supports ACCA’s mission through strategic alignment and a focus on continuous improvement. The group helps ensure that cancer centers are equipped with the tools, resources, and community support needed to develop effective and high-impact cancer research training programs.

Purpose and Focus Areas:

  • Foster collaboration and communication among CRTEC administrators

  • Share best practices in trainee tracking, evaluation, outreach, and program operations

  • Support professional development and leadership growth among administrative staff

  • Align efforts with ACCA’s mission to advance excellence in cancer center administration

Membership Engagement:

  • Monthly meetings featuring center-led presentations and shared discussions

  • Annual Survey to collect member input on priority topics, training needs, and areas of shared interest

  • Ad hoc sessions with guest speakers from NCI and NIH leadership

  • Resource sharing, peer learning, and cross-center collaboration opportunities

Contacts:    

  • Andrea Brocato, Director, Office of Graduate Education, Assistant Director, Office of Education & Training, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, ajbrocat@fredhutch.org

  •  Nishtha Agarwal, MPH, Administrative Director, Office of Cancer Training & Education, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, nishthaagarwal@mednet.ucla.edu

  • Jennifer Seuferer, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jennifer.seuferer@ucsf.edu

  • Rachel Sorensen, Washington University Siteman Cancer Center, r.sorensen@wustl.edu

Shared Resources Management (SRM)

The Shared Resources Management Affinity Group was established to connect professionals engaged in the oversight and development of the SRM section of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). Building on earlier collaborative efforts, the group has evolved into a robust peer network that now represents nearly all emerging and NCI-designated Cancer Centers. 

Members exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to both the SRM section and shared resource management more broadly. Through this collaboration, the group ensures that Cancer Center resource leaders have access to the tools, expertise, and community support needed to build efficient, cost-effective, and high-impact shared resources. The Affinity Group works in close alignment with the National Alliance of Cancer Center Shared Resources. 

Purpose and Focus Areas:

  • Foster collaboration, communication, and peer support across Cancer Centers

  • Share best practices for the scientific and administrative oversight of Shared Resources

  • Promote professional development through workshops, seminars, and invited speakers

  • Advance innovative approaches to streamline operations and improve efficiency

  • Build a network that expands accessibility to cutting-edge resources across all centers

Membership Engagement:

  • Regular virtual and in-person meetings and workshops

  • Targeted working groups addressing priority areas

  • Surveys to identify relevant topics, metrics, and opportunities for collaborative tool development

  • An online platform for ongoing discussion and resource sharing

Contact: Gordon Roble, DVM, MBA, Deputy Associate Director, Shared Resources, Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium, groble@fredhutch.org

Clinical Trials Budgeting

The Clinical Trials Budgeting Affinity Group was established to bring together professionals across ACCA cancer centers who are responsible for managing and negotiating clinical trial budgets, an essential yet often underrecognized function in clinical research administration. This peer network provides a forum for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and continuous professional development aimed at improving the efficiency and impact of clinical trials budget management.

Purpose and Focus Areas:

  • Foster collaboration and peer support across cancer centers

  • Share tools, best practices, and strategies for contract negotiation and budget planning

  • Promote professional growth through workshops, seminars, and guest speakers

  • Advance innovative approaches that streamline processes and enhance effectivenes

Membership Engagement:

  • Regular virtual meetings and workshops

  • Educational seminars featuring expert speakers

  • Collaborative projects to develop shared tools and resources

  • Online platform for ongoing discussion and resource sharing

Contact: Jenny Dawson Tibbets, Clinical Research Finance Manager, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, dawsontibbit@wisc.edu@wisc.edu

More Affinity Group Information Coming Soon.