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In October, VCU Massey Cancer Center welcomed Michelle Lin, M.B.A., as the new chief administrative officer and associate director for administration.

As CAO and AD for administration, Lin will oversee all of Massey Cancer Center’s administrative and business operations related to research and education, including strategic planning, research and grants administration and compliance, clinical research operations, finance, information technology, facilities, human resources, affiliates and partnerships.

Lin comes to Massey from University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida, where she has spent two decades in varying roles within cancer center research administration. Her most recent role there was as the lead administrator and associate director for administration, directing the research and training activities for a matrix cancer center consisting of 280-plus active research members across 24 departments and five schools as well as more than 300 associated staff. In this role, she managed all research administrative, fiscal, facilities, shared resources, personnel and education and training resources.

“Michelle brings to Massey proven, experienced leadership, business acumen and personal attributes that I am confident will facilitate the center’s operational success and continued contributions to our community in cancer research, treatment and prevention,” said Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center. “Overseeing an NCI Cancer Center is a highly specialized role since there are only 70 such centers in the country, so we are fortunate to have Michelle’s unique skills and experience at Massey.”

“I am very honored and excited to be joining the leadership at VCU Massey Cancer Center,” said Lin. “As one of the original NCI-designated cancer centers and the first in the state of Virginia, Massey is known for its world-class research programs and commitment to its community through outstanding patient care and outreach. I look forward to being part of this excellent team and to working together on obtaining NCI comprehensive status for Massey.” 

Lin began her career at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center as a senior accountant and worked her way up to manager of grants and contracts, then assistant director of research administration and operations and eventually to associate director. During her tenure at Sylvester, she earned an M.B.A. and B.S. from University of Miami. She is a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators, the Society of Research Administrators International, the Association of American Cancer Institutes and the Cancer Center Administrators Forum.

She and her husband and two children – 15 and 23 years old – are excited to live in Richmond, where Lin plans to enjoy Virginia’s horseback riding trails.

Written by: Jenny Owen