About the NCI Council of Research Advocates
NCI Council of Research Advocates (NCRA) Board Members
The Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR) manages the NCI Council of Research Advocates (NCRA), the only federal advisory committee comprised solely of advocate leaders at NCI. NCRA convenes around broad cancer research issues and provides the Director with advice and strategic insights from the community's perspective.
NCRA members are selected for their expert knowledge of cancer research and policy, as well as their ability to represent a broad patient perspective.
Prior NCRA meeting agendas and summaries can be found through the NCI Division of Extramural Activities.
Chair
Annie Ellis
2025
Research Advocate
Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
New York, New York
Members
Melinda Bachini
2024
Director of Patient Services
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Herriman, Utah
Victoria Buenger, Ph.D.
2025
President Emeritus
Coalition Against Childhood Cancer
Bryan, Texas
Melissa F. Buffalo
2025
Chief Executive Officer
American Indian Cancer Foundation
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Marty Chakoian
2026
Board of Directors
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Seattle, Washington
Katie Coleman *
2027
Product and Engineering Lead
Rare Cancer Research Foundation
Durham, North Carolina
Nathaniel Ferre
2026
Associate Consultant
Chartis Oncology Solutions
Chicago, Illinois
Amanda Haddock*
2027
President and Co-Founder
Dragon Master Initiative
North Kechi, Kansas
Joya Delgado Harris, M.P.H.
2026
Executive Director
CEO Roundtable on Cancer
Morrisville, North Carolina
Andrea Hutton *
2027
Research Advocate
Santa Barbara, California
Brittany Avin McKelvey, Ph.D.
2026
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Friends of Cancer Research
Washington, District of Columbia
Hartley M. Lee Jones
2027
Research Advocate
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Portland, Oregon
Robert Riter
2026
Patient Advocate
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
*Pending appointment