You’re in the best of hands.

From the perspective of patient care, research innovations, training new cancer specialists, and providing service to the state of Iowa, leadership for Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center has never been stronger.

The physicians and researchers who direct Holden’s activities are prepared for their role as leaders because they also are:

  • Principal investigators in groundbreaking cancer research
  • Experts at the national and international level shaping priorities for cancer research and care
  • Communicators about cancer successes and challenges for local and national audiences
  • Mentors for young doctors and researchers who will carry the Holden legacy into the future
  • Family members who have themselves been touched by cancer
Mark Burkard, MD, PhD, UI Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center director,  on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

New Director

Mark Burkard, MD, PhD began as director of University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center on October 1, 2024. Burkard also serves as a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation in the Carver College of Medicine. Burkard’s research is focused on understanding the drivers of genomic changes in breast cancer and developing precision treatments–such as targeted drugs, chemotherapy, and immunotherapies.

Holden’s Leadership Team

Mark E. Burkard, MD, PhD

Mark E. Burkard, MD, PhD

Director, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

C.E. Block Chair of Cancer Research
Professor

Jon C. Houtman, PhD

Jon C. Houtman, PhD

Deputy Director of Research, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor

George J. Weiner, MD

George J. Weiner, MD

Director Emeritus, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor

Gail A. Bishop, PhD

Gail A. Bishop, PhD

Associate Director of Basic Research, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor

Tina R. Devery, MHA

Tina R. Devery, MHA

Associate Director of Administration, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Adam J. Dupuy, PhD

Adam J. Dupuy, PhD

Associate Director of Shared Resources, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Associate Professor

Jessica C. Sieren, PhD

Jessica C. Sieren, PhD

Associate Director for Career Enhancement, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Associate Professor

Umar Farooq, MD

Umar Farooq, MD

Interim Associate Director of Clinical Research, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Clinical Professor

Natoshia M. Askelson, MPH, PhD

Natoshia M. Askelson, MPH, PhD

Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Associate Professor

Elizabeth Chrischilles, PhD

Elizabeth Chrischilles, PhD

Associate Director for Population Science, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor

Tara Graff, DO, MS

Tara Graff, DO, MS

Director of Clinical Research, Mission Cancer + Blood
Scott Hansen

Scott Hansen

Executive Director of Development, University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Jaclyn Kretzschmar

Jaclyn Kretzschmar

Director of Development, University of Iowa Center for Advancement