eBulletin Newsletter
Meet The NCCN Foundation Board Vice Chair – Heather Kopecky
Name: Heather J. Kopecky
Hometown: Houston, TX
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in Iowa. Upon completing high school, I came to Train at the Texas Medical Center (TMC) upon my father’s encouragement. That set up a 20-year career in the TMC, followed by 20 years in the healthcare industry focusing on leadership consulting in academic medical centers, NFP health systems, and healthcare organizations.
Q: What is your current professional role? Senior Partner & Executive Coach
Q: What brought you to the NCCN Foundation? In 2012, my journey took an unexpected turn when I received a call from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The NCCN Board sought assistance in finding their new Chief Executive Officer, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for the organization. Dr. Bob Carlson, a distinguished breast cancer oncologist from Stanford, assumed the role of CEO in 2013, ushering in a new era for NCCN. Despite the monumental task at hand, my resolve was tested when I received my breast cancer diagnosis from my pathologist in Houston via phone, while waiting at NCCN headquarters to discuss a new project with Dr. Carlson. In the face of uncertainty, the need for information became paramount, and my family and I found solace in NCCN's comprehensive guidelines, particularly those for breast cancer. Life’s guidance is interesting. Upon completing my responsibilities with NCCN, Dr. Carlson extended an invitation to join the NCCN Foundation Board as Vice Chair in 2014. This role afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the development of patient guidelines, support cancer research through initiatives like the Young Investigator Awards and further educational programs for patients and families.
Q: What does the NCCN Foundation mission mean to you? The mission of educating and empowering people affected by cancer and advancing oncology research is important to me and aligns with my personal mission to lead by example and inspire others to empower themselves.
Q: What do you want the readers to know about the NCCN Foundation? That it is the best kept secret out there! I challenge providers, in all settings, not just NCCN Member Institutions to encourage patients to use the NCCN Guidelines for Patients. To all other people, I want you to know and share the patient guidelines with friends, families and colleagues affected by cancer. Finally, the Young Investigator Awards will offer new and innovative treatments for the future.
Q: How do you incorporate the work of the NCCN Foundation into your daily life? About four times a week I hear of someone affected by cancer and immediately send them the patient guidelines. I have also worked to use social media to raise awareness.
Q: What are you most proud of regarding the NCCN Foundation? Reflecting on my involvement with the NCCN, I am proud of many things: 1) The synergy between the Foundation and the rest of NCCN; 2) The leadership that guides the Foundation and the full team are committed like I am, 3) The growing openness to consider other ways to raise awareness and design models for funding to continue to drive NCCN’s and the Foundation's mission.
Q: What are you most excited about for the NCCN Foundation in the years ahead? The NCCN and Foundation’s mission for the future is exciting because it focuses on advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes through innovative research, education, and patient support initiatives. Their commitment to funding cutting-edge research and providing resources for patients and healthcare professionals is poised to drive significant cancer treatment and care advancements. This mission not only aims to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients but also to foster a collaborative environment where groundbreaking discoveries and best practices can thrive, ultimately leading to a world with better cancer prevention, detection, and management.