Memmott named associate director of administration at U of A Cancer Center

Following a national search, Drew Memmott has been named associate director of administration at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective Sept. 2. 

Memmott brings extensive leadership experience in cancer center administration, most recently serving as executive administrator and associate director for administration at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. During his tenure there, he led initiatives in strategic planning, clinical trials centralization and cross-sector collaboration, contributing to the center’s highest-ever National Cancer Institute designation score. He also played a key role in establishing partnerships with Argonne National Laboratory and pharmaceutical companies including AbbVie, Amgen and Merck. 

Prior to his time in Chicago, Memmott held senior roles at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, overseeing research administration, clinical trials operations and coordination across Harvard-affiliated hospitals. He also previously served at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, where he helped manage operations across multiple sites. 

“Drew’s strategic vision, operational expertise and deep understanding of the cancer research ecosystem is invaluable as we prepare for our next core grant application and expand our impact across the state and the nation,” said Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, the Nancy C. and Craig M. Berge endowed chair for the director of the Cancer Center and a professor in the College of Medicine – Tucson. “His commitment to a collaborative, respectful work environment aligns strongly with our mission and values.” 

Teri Bankhead, who has served as interim associate director of administration for the past two years, will return to her previous role as assistant director upon Memmott’s arrival. “I’m grateful to Teri for her leadership during the center’s transitional period,” Theodorescu said. “She’s helped build and maintain a great administration team.” 

Theodorescu said Memmott’s appointment is expected to strengthen the center’s administrative operations and support ongoing growth and engagement across the University of Arizona and its partners.