A new era begins: CCQ CEO takes on strategic research leadership role

Cancer Council Queensland’s long-serving CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, has announced his decision to retire as CEO and commence an important new strategic research leadership role with CCQ.

CCQ’s Chairman, Mr Graham Gibson QC, announced that Professor Dunn is stepping aside after nearly 15 years as CEO and 28 years with CCQ.

“Jeff has agreed to commence in the newly created role of Research Leader of Social and Behavioural Science within CCQ’s Cancer Research Centre as well as Professor and Chair of Transformative Social Science, a prestigious appointment at the University of Southern Queensland,” Mr Gibson said.

“Jeff will commence in his new role by March 2017, serving as CEO until then and allowing CCQ’s Board to undertake a national and international candidate search.

“This appointment will enable CCQ to continue to benefit from Jeff’s considerable expertise in the behavioural and social scientific aspects of cancer control and from his research leadership across the continuum of prevention, early detection, supportive care and quality of life.”

Mr Gibson thanked Professor Dunn for his contribution.

“Jeff has devoted his academic career to research in this field and in this role will continue to advocate for CCQ’s mission, providing instrumental guidance in the development of novel strategies that underpin cancer control and improve community awareness of the disease.

“Jeff will continue to serve on the Board of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and as the Secretary and a Director of the International Psycho-oncology Society (IPOS). He will also continue his service as an editorial Board member for Psycho-Oncology Journal and will remain active in his capacity as the Immediate Past President of the Asia Pacific Organisation for Cancer Prevention (APOCP).

“Although he will be greatly missed as CEO by staff, volunteers, and supporters alike, the Board shares his excitement about the potential that his new role, and the relationship with USQ, offers.

“On behalf of the Board I thank Jeff for his invaluable contribution to CCQ and its work over so many years, and congratulate him on his new appointment.

“When he accepted the role of CEO in 2001, he could not have imagined the impressive transformation that CCQ has experienced under his leadership.

“In testimony to his meritorious service and contribution, Jeff was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in June 2014 for distinguished service to medical administration through leadership roles with cancer control organisations, and for promotion of innovative and integrated cancer care programs. He is nationally and internationally recognised for his authoritative academic work, as well as being a leading proponent in advocacy to accelerate the efforts of the global cancer control movement.

“Jeff’s considerable and distinguished service to cancer control, and to CCQ, are but specific aspects of his broader service to the community. While he will be greatly missed as CEO by staff, volunteers, and supporters, we are excited that his involvement in our work will continue in new directions,” Mr Gibson said.

University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Jan Thomas, also congratulated Professor Dunn on his appointment.

“This prestigious appointment will deliver on our vision for an innovative, collaborative and effective approach to community-based cancer control, producing applied research of the highest quality to build translational capacity and promote the overall health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, impacted by all cancers, leveraging from the connective potential of digital technology and cutting-edge infrastructure.

“Importantly, Jeff will play a key role in underpinning the effective translation of research results into practice, and in particular developing targeted interventions to address the causal factors of geographic differentials in cancer survival.

“He will lead the senior research staff of both institutions to develop more effective models of care for regional service delivery, evolving world’s best-practice methods for service excellence and innovation.

“Jeff will also continue his leadership to develop community-based knowledge and practice in cancer control, driving community impact through program development and advocacy, continuing his high-level representation as a member of leading national and international agencies, cancer control societies, and consumer groups,” Professor Thomas said.

Professor Dunn’s position as Chair of Transformative Social Science will be established within USQ’s Institute for Resilient Regions (IRR) where he will lead and develop programs addressing health and well-being issues in regional Australia.

His focus will be on building a world-class behavioural sciences capacity within the IRR through the creation of further research positions and the development of partnerships through investment.

Professor Dunn is already an Adjunct Professor in the Institute mentoring health and well-being researchers.

IRR Executive Director, Professor John Cole, said Professor Dunn’s track record have made him the ideal appointment to head up USQ’s work in transformative social science for better health and living.

“Transformative social sciences can provide tools to help arrest rural and regional decline, and strengthen the personal and social resilience of regional Australians.”

“I am delighted Jeff is joining the Institute for Resilient Regions to work closely with me in realising the vision of a world-class humanities and social sciences research institute working with regional Australians that will make a big and positive impact on their quality of life and future,” Professor Cole said.

Learn more about Cancer Council Queensland via cancerqld.org.au or by calling 13 11 20.

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