AONN+ Leadership

Optimistic isn’t a word people commonly use when first discussing cancer. But a brief conversation with Mark Liu, Senior Director of Oncology Strategy, Transformation & Analytics at Mount Sinai Health System and member of AONN+’s Leadership Council, is all it takes to understand why he has a glass-half-full outlook on the future of cancer treatment and patient care.

Recently, Mark was recognized with the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award for his work to enhance care and outcomes for patients with cancer in the communities served by Mount Sinai.

In July, Arati Prabhakar, PhD, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, joined Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, AONN+ member Andrea Dwyer, Director of the Colorado Cancer Screening Program at University of Colorado Cancer Center, and Presidents and Chancellors from all the University’s schools for a meeting highlighting navigation.

The AONN+ Midyear Conference wasn’t the only meeting where AONN+ leaders were spotted this past spring. Find out what’s been keeping Sharon Gentry and Monica Dean busy!

AONN+ Leadership Council members Sharon Gentry, Editor in Chief, and Elizabeth Franklin, Head of US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy in Oncology, Sanofi, recently participated in “Health Equity Heroes: Advocates Making a Difference” at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. Sanofi sponsored the event.

AONN+ is proud to announce that the following 3 members have been named to the American Cancer Society’s National Navigation Roundtable Steering Committee: Emily Gentry, AONN+ Executive Director of Strategy and Operations; Jennifer Bires, Executive Director of Life with Cancer and Patient Experience for the Inova Schar Cancer Institute; and Zarek Mena. This is an exciting opportunity and we’re honored to have you representing AONN+ on the national stage. Congratulations!

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, Emily Gentry, Executive Director, Strategy & Operations, AONN+, takes this opportunity to reflect upon 2023, to express her gratitude to AONN+’s membership for your unwavering commitment to excellence in oncology navigation, and to wish all of you a wonderful New Year.

December marks the close of 2023 and of AONN+’s conference season. The month brought Sharon Gentry and Emily Gentry several opportunities to highlight AONN+’s work to advance the navigation profession, reconnect with colleagues, and expand their network.

Through speaking engagements and other industry-sponsored activities this fall, AONN+ leaders raised awareness and understanding for the challenges of patients with cancer, the resources available to these individuals, and the vital role of navigators in the oncology care continuum.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Action Network (CAN) held its 12th Annual Conference in Washington, DC, on May 10 with a focus on oncology patient navigation sustainability. A series of robust panel discussions that included representation from AONN+ leaders both past and present took place.