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Board & Staff

NCC Board of Directors — Committed to Reducing the Impact of Cancer in Nevada

Melissa Davies
Melissa Davies, RHU
Clark & Associates
President, Term 2022-2023
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Melissa Davies, RHU Clark & Associates President, Term 2022-2023

Melissa is a licensed Benefit Solutions Consultant with more than 15 years of experience assisting employers and HR professionals with comprehensive employee benefit solutions. She is passionate about health and holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a graduate of the Washoe County Medical Society’s Mini-Internship Program and the Reno Sparks Chamber Leadership Program. She will also serve as president of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Annette Piccirilli
Annette Piccirilli
Optum
Secretary, Term 2022-2023
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Annette Piccirilli Optum Secretary, Term 2022-2023
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Linda Smiley
The Heath Foundation
Treasurer, Term 2022-2023
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Linda Smiley The Heath Foundation Treasurer, Term 2022-2023
Dr. James Cohen
James Cohen, MD
Renown Institute for Cancer
Director, Term 2022-2023
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James Cohen, MD Renown Institute for Cancer Director, Term 2022-2023

Dr. Cohen is a medical oncologist and Medical Director at Renown Institute for Cancer. He was an English major and art history minor as an undergraduate before deciding that wasn’t his path. Instead, Dr. Cohen became a third-generation physician, graduating from Js Weill Medical College, Cornell University, training at Memorial Sloan Kettering, UCSF and Stanford. He has practiced medicine for five decades and says, “My philosophy is that the patient comes first. It’s all about the patient.”
 

Dr. Thummala
Anu Thummala, MD
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada Vice Chair, Dept. of Medicine, Summerlin Hospital
Director, Term 2022-2023
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Anu Thummala, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada Vice Chair, Dept. of Medicine, Summerlin Hospital Director, Term 2022-2023

Dr. Thummala is a medical oncologist and hematologist focusing on the treatment of all cancer types with a special interest in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and hematological malignancies. She is also on the frontlines of clinical research at Comprehensive, where she serves as principal and sub-investigator for many trials, including collaborations with US Oncology Research, UCLA, and Pharma Research. She is vice chair of the Department of Medicine at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center and is a board member for peer review and the nominating committee. At MountainView Hospital, she is chair of the cancer committee and is the sub-specialty director for its graduate medical education program. Dr. Thummala is also an adjunct faculty member at UNLV School of Medicine.

Debbie Anderson
Debbie Anderson
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital
Director, Term 2022-2023
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Debbie Anderson Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital Director, Term 2022-2023

Debbie is licensed counselor and Director of Behavioral Health Services at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko, Nevada. She helps patients from throughout the hospital and their families to deal with crisis. She is also a breast cancer survivor and serves on the board of the Elko Cancer Network. She believes cancer is your opportunity to go out there and tell people that they are worth fighting for.

Stacey Escalante
Stacey Escalante
Melanoma Survivor, Media/Publicist
Director, Term 2022-2023
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Stacey Escalante Melanoma Survivor, Media/Publicist Director, Term 2022-2023

Stacey spent more than two decades as a broadcast reporter and was well-known in the Las Vegas market when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma. Since her diagnosis she has been on a mission to save lives by educating others about skin cancer. She travels to Washington D.C. to advocate at the national level and was part of the release of the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Skin Cancer. At the state level she has helped to pass several laws to reduce skin cancer risk and helped NCC to launch Sun Smart Nevada. 

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Susan Cox, RT (R)(T)(M)
Renown Institute for Cancer
Director, Term 2022-2023
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Susan Cox, RT (R)(T)(M) Renown Institute for Cancer Director, Term 2022-2023
Tom McCoy
Tom McCoy, JD
Executive Director - State Government Affairs, Nevada Chronic Care Collaborative
Director, Term 2022-2023
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Tom McCoy, JD Executive Director - State Government Affairs, Nevada Chronic Care Collaborative Director, Term 2022-2023

Tom has been involved with NCC since its inception in 2002 and has been a valuable member of the cancer control community by advocating for policies at both the state and national level. He served for more than 12 years as the Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network before retiring. He continues to work on a variety of issues related to cancer, chronic disease and palliative care. He received his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law and has a BA and MA in Mass Communication and Media Studies.

Amy Levin
Amy Levin, MD, FACS
Anthem NV Medicaid
Director, Term 2023-2024
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Amy Levin, MD, FACS Anthem NV Medicaid Director, Term 2023-2024

Dr. Levin practiced a wide range of general surgery for several years and saw firsthand the devastating toll that cancer takes on patients, families and the healthcare system. Though she loved patient care, she developed an interest in the business of medicine and our healthcare system due to frustrations she experienced in clinical practice. Over time she transitioned full-time into non-clinical roles and now serves as a medical director for the Anthem NV Medicaid health plan. This role allows her to influence healthcare on a larger scale, striving to make it efficient and accessible to all Nevadans.  

Dr. Levin is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. When not hard at work, she enjoys hiking, skiing and traveling with her husband and two daughters. She has lived in Las Vegas since 2012, enjoying all the southwest has to offer.

Annie Millard
Annie Millard, RN, BSN, MBA
Carson Tahoe Health
Director, Term 2023-2024
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Annie Millard, RN, BSN, MBA Carson Tahoe Health Director, Term 2023-2024

Annie Millard serves as the Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator at Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Annie’s healthcare education began as a nurse aide. She progressed to LPN and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and MBA. She has experience in Oncology, PACU, Pre-op, ER, ICU, Telemetry and Med-Surg nursing.  Annie most recently obtained her certification as a Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and provides clinical trial education to facilitate clinical trial enrollment.

Kim Dupuis
Kim Dupuis
Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center
Director, Term 2023-2024
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Kim Dupuis Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center Director, Term 2023-2024

Kim Dupuis’ experience in Healthcare spans for more than 40 years and currently holds the position of Oncology Development Director and Rectal Cancer Program Coordinator for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. She oversees the Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accreditations for Sunrise Hospital. Kim has a passion and commitment for all patients requiring healthcare and works diligently to support the needs of her patients. In 2022, she received NCC's Healthcare Partner of the Year award. Kim is a proud parent of three children and three grandchildren.  In her free-time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

NCC Staff — Working to Fulfill Our Mission Every Day

Cari Herington
Cari Herington
MBA
Executive Director
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Cari Herington MBA Executive Director

Cari joined NCC as its first Executive Director and staff in September 2011. For more than 20 years, she has built and led organizations and coalitions focused on protecting and improving the health of Nevadans. Cari received her MBA from University of Nevada, Reno. She is an avid runner and marathoner and mom to twin girls now attending college.

Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 101 | EMAIL
Kristen Hackbarth
Kristen Hackbarth, MS
Communications Director
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Kristen Hackbarth, MS Communications Director

Kristen joined NCC in April 2021, re-assuming the role of Communications Director she held from 2013 to 2018. Kristen has more than two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, and communications in northern Nevada. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno and Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governor's University. In her free time, she is a volunteer backpacking guide along the Tahoe Rim Trail, an avid home cook and baker, cyclist, wife, and stepmom.

Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 105 | EMAIL
Michelle Lambert
Michelle Lambert
Operations Manager
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Michelle Lambert Operations Manager

Michelle joined NCC in February 2022. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno in Human Services/Psychology. She has 20 years of financial and accounting experience. Michelle is a proud mom to two beautiful daughters. In her free time she enjoys skiing, camping, hiking, exploring nature and spending time with her two fur babies.

Phone: 775-451-1670, ext. 102 | EMAIL
Amy Thompson
Amy Thompson
RN, OCN, CN-BN
Cancer Survivorship Programs Manager
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Amy Thompson RN, OCN, CN-BN Cancer Survivorship Programs Manager

Amy joined NCC in March 2020. As a proud Native Nevadan, Amy is excited to bring her years of experience as an Oncology Certified Registered Nurse and Certified Breast Nurse Navigator to NCC. Amy is a proud wife and mom to a high schooler and two fur kids. She loves travel and all things creative! In her spare time, you will find her dancing, reading, writing, and enjoying time with her precious family and friends.

Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 106 | EMAIL
Darcy Phillips
Darcy Phillips, MA
Cancer Early Detection Programs Manager
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Darcy Phillips, MA Cancer Early Detection Programs Manager

As a breast cancer survivor, Darcy was excited about the mission of NCC and joined our team in February 2022. She is a native Coloradan who adopted Nevada in 2013. Darcy holds a Master of Arts in anthropology with a concentration in non-profit management and has worked in teaching, environmental, and outreach organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, playing the piano, and learning about the past at ghost town cemeteries. She is married with one son and two rescued dogs. 

Phone: 775-451-1670 ext. 104 | EMAIL
Lily Helzer
Lily Helzer, MPH
Cancer Prevention Programs Manager
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Lily Helzer, MPH Cancer Prevention Programs Manager

Lily Helzer is a native Nevadan, a graduate from the UNR School of Public Health, and has enjoyed her varied career in Nevada public health efforts supporting chronic disease prevention and control initiatives. She had the good fortune to work alongside NCC for a number of years before officially joining in February 2023. Lily spends as much time outside as she can manage, traveling, hiking, trail running, camping, snowshoeing and skiing, often accompanied by her son and husband. 

Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 103 | EMAIL
Valerie Martinez
Valerie Martinez
Southern Nevada Cancer Outreach Coordinator
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Valerie Martinez Southern Nevada Cancer Outreach Coordinator

Valerie joined NCC in October 2021 as the Coalition's first southern Nevada staff member. Valerie was born in Los Angeles, California and has lived in Las Vegas for nearly two decades. She is excited to bring her years of experience and resources as a Case Manager to NCC to support Nevadans. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Service Counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her fur baby, cooking, traveling, and self-care.

Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 107 | EMAIL
Jorge Arambula
Jorge Arambula
Southern Nevada Cancer Outreach Coordinator
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Jorge Arambula Southern Nevada Cancer Outreach Coordinator

Jorge joined NCC in 2022 as the coalition's second southern Nevada team member. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in Las Vegas for the past two decades. He has also spent time in northern Nevada, attending the University of Nevada, Reno where he received a bachelor's degree in public health and a certificate in gerontology. He's excited to bring experience as a health and disabilities advocate to NCC. Jorge is a proud father of a 1-year-old and loves to exercise, watch sports, and enjoy quality time with friends and family.

Phone: 775-451-1670 ext. 109 | EMAIL