The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has appointed Amy Overby as its new associate director for administration. Overby joined the cancer center on Feb. 1.
In this role, Overby will focus on strengthening research infrastructure, supporting cancer center programs aligned with the National Cancer Institute and enhancing collaborative operations across the center.
Overby joins the cancer center from the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
At Winship, she provided strategic and operational leadership for cancer-related clinical research across 10 affiliate sites. She served as senior director of the clinical trials office and interim chief administrative officer/associate director for research administration. Overby played a central role in the implementation and management of the Cancer Center Support Grant, R-01 grants, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence grants and NCI cooperative group programs.
“What excites me most is the chance to work at a cancer center that clearly pairs world-class research and clinical care with a deep commitment to the community,” Overby said.
“The cancer center’s integration of cutting-edge science, multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care is exactly the environment where I do my best work and continue to grow,” Overby said. “Working in Nebraska is also a big draw for me. There is a strong sense of purpose here, and the work has a very real impact on people’s lives across the state.”
“Amy brings extensive experience in cancer center administration at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, clinical research operations and organizational leadership and will be a tremendous asset to our team,” said Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “She will play a key role in all aspects of the transformation of the cancer center to place the center on a strong upward trajectory towards NCI comprehensive status.”
Before Winship, Overby held multiple leadership roles at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, including serving as associate director for research administration and director of the clinical research office. She also held the position of executive director of the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, a statewide network expanding access to cancer clinical trials. In these roles, she advanced the NCI Community Oncology Research Program Minority/Underserved Community Sites and strengthened collaborative research partnerships across New Mexico.
Overby also brings experience from the biotechnology industry, having served as senior scientist and vice president of operations at Cook Biotech/Bioscience Vaccines Inc. She led business development and clinical operations for commercialization of novel adjuvant technologies, which advanced into Phase 0–III oncology and influenza vaccine trials for human and veterinary applications.
Overby currently serves on the Association of American Cancer Institutes Clinical Research Innovation Steering Committee.
“I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful cancer care and research while being part of a collaborative, grounded community that values both excellence and compassion,” Overby said.