2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting: Day 1 Overview

AACI board members, L to R: Dr. Barry P. Sleckman, David M. Gosky, Jennifer W. Pegher, Dr. Gary K. Schwartz, Dr. Yolanda Sanchez, Dr. Jonathan W. Friedberg, Dr. Joann B. Sweasy, Dr. Matthew Vander Heiden, Dr. Cornelia Ulrich, Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Dr. Robert A. Winn, Julie C. Schaum

Many thanks to over 400 registered attendees who joined us for the opening day of the 2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago.

During an AACI Board of Directors meeting preceding the annual meeting kickoff, AACI welcomed Drs. Jonathan W. Friedberg, Primo N. "Lucky" Lara, and Matthew Vander Heiden to the board, and acknowledged outgoing members, Drs. Raymond N. DuBois and Yolanda Sanchez. The meeting also marked another leadership transition, with AACI Treasurer David M. Gosky passing the torch to Julie C. Schaum, after seven years in the role.

(Not pictured: Drs. Raymond N. DuBois, Primo N. Lara, and Diane M. Simeone.)

The Annual Meeting program, developed by a committee led by Dr. Candace S. Johnson, kicked off with an overview of AACI programs, initiatives, and finances.

“Hope has got to be part of our system. It's got to be ingrained in us even when the floodwaters are rising.”
— Peter A. James, PhD

Dr. Peter A. James, president and CEO of HCG Strategic Partners, provided the keynote on navigating systems in which leaders are responsible for outcomes but lack complete decision making authority. The "middle seat" cancer center leaders often fill is also the only seat that possesses all the information required to effect institutional change. Leaders who learn to translate that information not only position themselves as the most important driver of institutional change, but also avoid burnout. "Taking care of yourself is not what you do after the transformation; it's the first move of it," said Dr. James. "You are the foundation of every change you're trying to make."

Dr. Peter A. James presents the keynote address.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Cancer Centers Director Dr. Krzysztof Ptak provided an update on major changes to the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) application, review, and merit extension processes. Dr. Ptak also touched on efforts to accelerate clinical trials, including the formation of AACI's Accelerating Clinical Trials Steering Committee.

The day closed with a President's Reception, supported by Natera.

Dr. Candace S. Johnson

Dr. Joann B. Sweasy

Dr. Krzysztof Ptak

All photos by Randy Belice.

Please join us tomorrow for day two as we honor this year's Distinguished Scientist, Cancer Health Equity, and Champion for Cures awardees. The program includes sessions on managing an intergenerational workforce, innovations in access to care, research and development at basic science cancer centers, and strategies for successful NCI CCSG applications and on-site meetings.