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This week, VCU Massey Cancer Center and VCU Health System welcomed Katie Barnes, MPA, as vice president of the Cancer Service Line. The Cancer Service Line is a new collaborative model designed to fulfill strategic initiatives for Massey while maintaining close alignment with VCU Health System.

“In order to grow to best serve the needs of all Virginians impacted by cancer, we need to ensure strong collaboration between Massey, VCU Health System and the VCU School of Medicine,” says Robert Winn, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center and senior associate dean for cancer innovation at the VCU School of Medicine. “Katie will lead a new administrative model tasked with harnessing and aligning all of the resources at our institution for the benefit of our patients. We’re pleased to have her on our team. 

Like most National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers at academic medical centers, Massey is what is known as a “matrix center,” meaning it functions both independently and as part of the health system and university due to its tripartite mission combining patient care, research and education. In her role, Barnes will work with leadership at Massey, VCU Health System, VCU School of Medicine, clinicians and staff to deliver high-quality cancer care to Massey’s growing and diverse patient population while fostering and expanding clinical research. 

“With significant investments in our facilities, new collaborations in our communities and other exciting efforts designed to meet the needs of the people we serve, we have to ensure everyone is on the same page and working toward common goals,” says Paul Wesolowski, MBA, chief operating officer of VCU Health System Hospitals. “This new structure will ensure Massey is best positioned to serve its patients.”

Previously, Barnes served as administrator of the Oncology Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Center and James Cancer Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center. At OSU, she successfully led strategic efforts to improve culture, increase recruitments, reduce turnover and grow clinical research across the enterprise. Before OSU, she worked for OhioHealth, where she had administrative oversight of seven service lines across the health system’s 13 hospitals. She earned her MPA from Indiana University and her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Georgia State University.

Barnes is a certified phlebotomist and physician coder, as well as a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). An advocate for education, she started a non-profit organization for K-12 tutoring, specializing in students with dyslexia. She enjoys working out and spending time with her family.

“I’m excited about transitioning to Richmond to work for such an inspiring organization and mission,” says Barnes. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with faculty and staff across the institution to deliver the best cancer care possible for communities throughout Virginia.”

Written by: John Wallace