Press Releases

Below is a statement from Gary M. Reedy, American Cancer Society Chief Executive Officer, on the appointment of Norman Sharpless, M.D., to serve as director of the National Cancer Institute.

“The American Cancer Society (ACS) congratulates Norman “Ned” Sharpless, M.D., on his appointment as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Given his experience as the director of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, his membership in the American Association of Cancer Institutes, and his extensive research in oncology and genetics, Sharpless is an excellent choice to lead the NCI.

“The NCI is the largest public funder of cancer research and the American Cancer Society is the largest not-for-profit, private funder of cancer research in the United States. We look forward to partnering with the NCI under Sharpless’s leadership to address cancer control, cancer research, and issues regarding the care of cancer patients.

“We also want to acknowledge the wonderful work of Douglas R. Lowy, M.D., who has been the NCI’s Acting Director since April 2015. We salute Dr. Lowy for his remarkable leadership and his ability as a basic scientist to gain the respect, trust, and adoration of the cancer control and treatment communities. Lowy is one of the true gentlemen not just of oncology, but of American medicine.”