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Leadership Update from Cheryl Willman, M.D., and Jolene Summer Bolster

Dear Colleagues, 

As we position Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as the global authority in cancer care, we must align our strategies with the priorities and needs of the diverse patients and communities we serve. These communities include patients from across the nation and the world who seek our care, as well as those from the geographic “catchment” areas surrounding each of our Destination Medical Centers and Mayo Clinic Health System. By modeling patient and community data including patterns of cancer incidence and outcome, cancer risk-promoting (environmental, behavioral, genetic) and risk-reducing factors (screening, vaccination), and socioeconomic and socio demographic characteristics, we are identifying challenges and opportunities. With deep, bi-directional patient and community engagement, we are developing targeted interventions that will lead to sustainable, impactful changes in health equity. To guide these efforts, we are thrilled to announce our new Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) leadership team. 

Please join us in congratulating Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D., on being named Enterprise Deputy Director, COE, effective July 1. Dr. Odedina is currently the Associate Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Health Equity and Community Engaged Research  (CHECER) and serves as its Florida Site Director and Director of Global Health Equity Initiatives. Dr. Odedina began her research career in health disparities in 1994, focusing on rural Appalachian communities. Funded primarily by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), she has directed over 30 health equity research projects that have included large center grants, behavioral interventions, and clinical trials. Since 2004, she has directed extensive COE activities across the United States, collaborating closely with community leaders and colleagues to address community needs. 

Dr. Odedina is currently funded as the Program Director of the NCI-funded CaRE2 Health Equity Center, Principal Investigator of the NCI Epidemiology & Genomics Research Program - Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC), and Principal Investigator of the DOD HEROICA Prostate Cancer Health Equity Research Program. Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Odedina served as Associate Cancer Center Director for Health Disparities at the University of Florida from 2011-2015, where she received her Ph.D. degree. 

When asked about her new role, Dr. Odedina explained that a successful COE program requires a participatory approach in developing a community-centric vision, resources, and activities to meet the needs of our diverse catchment areas, toward the goal of reducing cancer burden. Input from diverse communities, Mayo Clinic leaders, and other stakeholders is crucial. 

Dr. Odedina has received many awards for her contributions to cancer research and health disparities, including the first Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma Legacy Lectureship from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command in 2013; INSIGHT Into Diversity Inspiring Women in STEM Award in 2016; Living Legend Award for innovations with health/economic impact from the first All-Africa Clinical Trial Summit in 2017; and 2017 Williams Award for Innovation in Cancer Care in Africa, AORTIC. 

A native of Nigeria, Dr. Odedina speaks three languages: English, Yoruba and Pidgin English. 

Please join us in welcoming Doug Murrell, MPA, to Mayo Clinic as the Operations Administrator for COE and Community Engaged Research supporting the Cancer Center, the Center for Health Equity and Community Engaged Research, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences. Doug previously served as Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM where he was charged with co-creating, implementing, and leading a cohesive operating structure and executive team aligned with the increasing scale and achievement of the organization’s strategic business goals and growth. Prior to his time at the Center for Action and Contemplation, he was Director of Global Faith Engagement at Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta, GA. Doug also served as Founder and Lead Consultant for Wise Counsel Management Solutions and as Executive Pastor for New Life Providence Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Additionally, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. 

Doug holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University. He is a nominee for the Dr. Charles Watson Annual Research Award for Excellence in Community-Based Research from Troy University and has received Navy Achievement Medal awards in Critical Leadership, Exceptional Leadership & Management Abilities, Exceptional Professionalism, and Demonstrating Keen Fiscal Oversight and Unparalleled Leadership. 

We are also very pleased to share the appointment of Monica Albertie, MHA, and Sharon Levey, MS, as the new Directors supporting Community Outreach and Engagement for the Cancer Center, CHECER, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences. 

Monica Albertie has had a 15-year career at Mayo Clinic. Since 2019, Monica has served as Enterprise Operations Manager supporting CHECER. She has also served as the Program Manager for the Office of Health Disparities Research at Mayo Clinic in Florida and as an Administrative Project Manager for Mayo Clinic Cancer Services. Monica is currently a Hightop Leadership Fellow with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of several community organizations including the NAACP Health Committee, American Heart Association Health Equity Committee and Minority Women in Research Network. She has been a co-author of over a dozen peer reviewed publications focused on health disparities. 

Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Florida A&M University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Florida.

Sharon Levey has had a 29-year career at Mayo Clinic. Sharon currently serves as the Interim Operations Administrator for the Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research. She has also served as the Operations Administrator supporting the Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Clinical Genomics, Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Administration; Operations Manager for the Center for Individualized Medicine and Department of Clinical Genomics; Director for Cancer Outreach for the Mayo Clinic Health Disparities Program; Practice Manager for the Division of Hematology and Oncology; and Supervisor of the Therapy Unit for the Division of Hematology and Oncology. Sharon is active in professional memberships including the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women Specialty Director for Member Experience, National Association of Hispanic Nurses.  

Sharon holds a BSN from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University. 

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