Big news for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), as W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, has been tapped as the new CEO. Rathmell, a veteran in the fight against cancer, is making her way to Ohio State following her leadership at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as its 17th director from December 2023 to January 2025. She is set to assume her new role on May 27, pending a nod of approval from the university's Board of Trustees, as reported in OSU's official release.
Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., president of The Ohio State University, expressed his enthusiasm for Rathmell's arrival, "On behalf of Buckeyes everywhere, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Rathmell to Ohio State." He believes Rathmell's "exceptional caliber of leadership and visionary approach to cancer research and care" is perfectly aligned with Ohio State's mission to make substantive contributions to state and national well-being. Rathmell focused her efforts on health equity, particularly creating pathways for underserved and rural communities to access improved cancer care, a reflection of her commitment to the Ohio State promise of progress.
Rathmell's previous experience also stands out, she spent time as a professor of medicine and biochemistry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, held faculty positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and led several significant research initiatives. During her stint with NCI, Rathmell also launched the Early-Onset Cancer Initiative and has been closely involved with efforts to improve health equity in cancer care.
In her new capacity at Ohio State, Rathmell is tasked with overseeing the clinical and research operations of OSU's cancer program. The role also puts her in charge of the operational leadership of The James and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, amid high expectations looming from the OSU Wexner Medical Center and university leadership. Rathmell also looks forward to holding the first Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Distinguished Chair in Cancer, which carries a $10 million endowment and represents the largest chair position ever established at Ohio State – also pending board confirmation.
John J. Warner, MD, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State, praised Rathmell's national renown as a top-tier physician-scientist and kidney cancer authority. "Her impressive track record strongly positions her to lead the OSUCCC – James to further prominence on the global stage of cancer research and care," he said, conveying the high-spirited expectations for her tenure. Rathmell herself is excited about the prospects at OSUCCC – James, stating through Ohio State University, "Ohio State is a place that embraces the excitement of possibility and takes bold steps in advancing biomedical breakthroughs that provide hope and healing." Her sentiment reflects a drive shared by the larger OSU community, poised for the advancements her leadership may bring.
With a rich educational background, including a PhD in biophysics and an MD from Stanford University, as well as further training at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania, Rathmell also possesses the academic expertise that complements her administrative skills. Notably, in 2022, she earned a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University. Alongside her professional endeavors, Rathmell is a mother of two, sharing a personal life with her husband, Jeffrey Rathmell.
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