Karen Kelly, MD
Longtime member Karen Kelly, MD, is set to become the new chief executive officer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.
This March, Dr. Kelly, an internationally renowned lung cancer researcher, will begin collaborating closely with the IASLC Board of Directors and staff to achieve the goals and fulfill the mission established by the board.
“I am honored to serve the members of the IASLC as their next CEO,” Dr. Kelly said. “I am committed to its growth and enhancement. There has never been a more exciting time for our lung cancer community as the whisper of a cure becomes an audible reality. Meaningful advances in lung cancer care are rapidly coming, coupled with tackling health disparities and access to optimal care, ultimate impact will be achieved. I am excited to take this journey with our talented members, board, and staff.”
Dr. Kelly’s career has focused on providing enhanced cancer care through cutting-edge clinical trials. Her lung cancer research has involved all aspects of the disease from risk reduction and screening to treatment. She has been at the forefront of drug development to treat lung cancer throughout her career.
Dr. Kelly most recently has served as Professor of Medicine and Associate Director for Clinical Research at the University of California, Davis, Comprehensive Cancer Center. She frequently lectures on lung cancer topics, nationally and internationally. Dr. Kelly has authored or co-authored more than 190 publications, including original papers, reviews, and book chapters. She has served as the chair of the Lung Committee for SWOG Cancer Research Network since 2016.
IASLC Board President Heather Wakelee, MD, said the board is delighted with the appointment of Dr. Kelly as the next IASLC CEO.
“Dr. Kelly’s long-standing and active membership in the organization, outstanding leadership skills, and preeminence as an internationally renowned thoracic oncologist make her the ideal candidate to lead the IASLC,” Dr. Wakelee said. “Given Dr. Kelly’s professional expertise and her long-term involvement in the IASLC, the Board of Directors is confident in her ability to maintain the momentum of IASLC initiatives, programs, and services, and expand the IASLC’s capabilities, as the society develops and executes a comprehensive plan for the future and continues to advance the mission of conquering thoracic cancers worldwide.”
For media inquiries, please contact Chris Martin at [email protected]. Contact Interim IASLC CEO Kristin Richeimer at [email protected] for IASLC-related inquiries.
