Saturday | April 11, 2026

1:00PM - 5:00PM  Pre-Conference Affinity Group Workshops (separate registration required)

CCSG 101 Pre-Conference Workshop

A comprehensive overview of the NCI’s Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), focused on preparing and submitting a competitive renewal application.

 Who Should Attend:

•  Newer Associate Directors of Administration (ADAs) who have not previously led a CCSG application/competitive renewal.

• Newer senior CCSG administrative staff who will be supporting ADAs in an upcoming CCSG application/competitive renewal, but have never been a part of the process before.

• Personnel who attended a previous CCSG 101 who were unable to digest all of the information discussed the first time around.

 Workshop Goals:

1. Gain a strong foundational understanding of the CCSG, including its purpose, reviewer expectations, and structure.

2. Learn what is required for a successful application, with clear steps to achieve both.

3. Receive practical guidance and a packet of materials to support the development of your first CCSG application.

4. Understand how to effectively convey key messages in the written application to meet both the stated guidelines and unwritten expectations of reviewers.

5. Build confidence in navigating the CCSG process for the first time.

CRTEC Associate Director and Administrator Workshop: Defining the Future of CRTEC

1:00PM - 1:15PM        Welcome and Guided Networking

1:15PM - 2:00PM        CRTEC and the New CCSG Renewal Process

In this session, we’ll examine how cancer centers are adapting to the new CCSG review process without on-site visits. We’ll highlight recent examples and discuss how reviewers and center leaders are navigating this new review environment.

Co-Chairs: Nishtha Agarwal, Andrea Brocato, and Jennifer Seuferer

2:00PM - 2:10PM        Guided Networking

2:10PM - 2:55PM        Beyond NIH Funding

In this session, we’ll explore how cancer centers are securing resources beyond traditional NIH grants. We’ll highlight successful donor engagement strategies, partnerships with organizations like ACS and AACR, and creative approaches such as alumni involvement and cross-institutional programming.

Co-chairs: Audrey Elegbede, Megan Mekinda

2:55PM - 3:05PM        Break

3:05PM - 3:15PM        Guided Networking

3:15PM - 4:00PM        What Metrics Now? (Co-Led with the Workforce Development Affinity Group)

In this session, and in light of the new CCSG review process, we’ll discuss what metrics CRTEC should focus on. What tools do we need to build in order to capture outcomes and impact of various programs across the training continuum? What are appropriate control groups for             measurement and what statistical methods can evaluate this data? And how do new Workforce Development initiatives fit in with CRTEC; how should they be measured? We’ll also discuss CRTEC’s role in publishing education-related manuscripts.

Co-chairs: Harikrishna Nakshatri, Patricia Ramos, and Rachel Sorensen

4:00PM - 4:10PM        Guided Networking

4:10PM - 4:55PM        The Future of CRTEC and Workforce Development Programs (Co-Led with the Workforce Development Affinity Group)

In this session, we’ll explore how cancer centers are evolving and meeting the moment with innovative workforce development initiatives and strategies. Participants will share experiences, challenges, ideas, and innovative practices shaping the next generation of CRTEC and workforce development efforts.

Co-chairs: Camilla Frost-Brewer, Cauleen Noel, and Kristy Shuda McGuire

4:55PM - 5:00PM        Closing

Team Sciences Network Workshop - Agenda TBD

Clinical Trial Workshop - Agenda TBD

5:30PM - 7:00PM  Principals Only Reception

Sunday | April 12, 2026

9:00AM - 9:30AM - New Member Welcome
Melissa Fitzmaurice Neligan, Chief Administrative Officer / Associate Director of Administration, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

9:30AM - 11:00AM  Affinity Group Meet-Ups

1:00PM - 1:15PM  Welcoming Remarks
Peter Connor, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center 

1:15PM - 1:45PM  Keynote Speaker - Patrick O'Halloran

1:45PM - 2:30PM  NCI Office of Grants Administration Updates
Crystal Wolfrey, Chief Grants Management Officer, Office of Grants Administration, NCI

2:30PM - 3:00PM  Networking Break  

3:00PM - 3:45PM  Financial Session - Challenges/Solutions in IITs, Pilots, Program/Researcher Investments

3:45PM - 4:30PM  Shared Resources Current Topics - Consortiums, Marketing to Non-Institution Users, Industry Partnerships

4:30PM - 5:15PM CCSG Updates
Krzysztof Ptak, PhD, MBA, Director, Office of Cancer Center NCI

5:15PM - 6:30PM  Welcome Reception in the ACCA Expo Hall & Poster Session Opening   

Monday | April 13, 2026

8:00AM - 9:00AM  Breakfast   

9:00AM - 9:45AM  Fireside Chat - Explore How Top Leaders—CEOs and Medical School Deans—View the role and value of NCI designation within their institutions.
Peter Connor, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center 

9:45AM - 10:30AM  EAB Evolution in the Current Environment
Kate Shumate, Chief of Staff and Director, Administration and Planning, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center 

10:30AM - 11:00AM  Expo Break   

11:00AM - 11:45AM  Developmental Funds Debate - Two Teams debate the Value, Need, and purpose of this CCSG Section
Alex Zafirovski, VP, Cancer Service Line at Northwestern Medicine
Max Loveless, Senior Administrative Director, Huntsman Cancer Institute
Versus
Aaron Schilz, Senior Administrative Director, Masonic Cancer Center
Kristin Van Raaphorst, Assistant Director for Research Administration, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

11:45AM - 12:30PM  Clinical Trials Session

12:30PM - 2:00PM  Networking Lunch  

2:00PM - 2:45PM  Faculty and Staff Leadership Pathway Stories - Faculty and staff managers tell us their pathway story

2:45PM - 3:30PM  AI Tools from Everyday Users - Learn about AI tools or functions that make a difference in your role or the CCSG submission

3:30PM - 4:00PM  Expo Break   

4:00PM - 4:30 PM  ACCA Annual Business Meeting  

4:30PM - 5:15PM  Town Hall Commons Live!
Jennifer Rogers, Associate Director for Administration, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

Evening On Your Own   

Tuesday | April 14, 2026

8:00AM - 9:00AM  Breakfast   

9:00AM -9:45AM  Recently Reviewed Centers Panel Discussion
Nick Fisher, Executive Director of Research & Business Administration, Siteman Cancer Center 

9:45AM - 10:15AM   Expo Break   

10:15AM -11:00AM  Government Relations: Navigating Current Policy, Budgetary, and Regulatory Landscape
Affecting Cancer Centers

Join leading lobbyists and policy advocates for a critical examination of the evolving governmental
landscape shaping cancer center operations and funding. This timely panel will decode the complex
policy, budgetary, and regulatory environment that cancer center administrators must navigate,
providing insider perspectives on current legislative priorities affecting cancer research funding,
emerging regulatory requirements impacting clinical operations, and advocacy strategies that are
making a difference on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. Expert panelists will explore practical
approaches to building effective government relations, engaging policymakers around the cancer center
priorities, and share real-world examples of successful advocacy campaigns and coalition-building
strategies. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable intelligence on the current policy
environment, strategies for strengthening their institution’s government relations capacity, and tools to
effectively advocate for sustainable funding and supportive policies that advance the cancer center mission.

Moderator:
Pete Connor, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center 
Panelists:
Michelle Seger, Senior Vice President at Venn Strategies
Alyssa Schatz, DrPH, MSW, (she/her) Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, National Comprehensive Cancer Network

11:00AM - 11:45AM  Town Hall with ACCA Board of Directors and Office of Cancer Centers (Pending)

*agenda subject to change