Joseph F. Woelkers joined CureSearch, National Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF) in May 2007, and is the Executive Director of Operations for NCCF and Chief Operating Officer of the Children’s Oncology Group.   Mr. Woelkers also serves in the capacity of Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees for NCCF.

Mr. Woelkers’ experience encompasses over 23 years of service within the health care and biomedical research field with extensive expertise in oncology.  Mr. Woelkers has worked at multiple university and academic medical centers including University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, John Hopkins Oncology Center, and University of Michigan Cancer Center.  Positions at these prestigious institutes included Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Director of Administration, and Vice President.  In addition, Mr. Woelkers’ served as Chief Executive Officer of Health Care Operations International, Inc., a start up company, specializing in constructing cancer centers internationally.  Mr. Woelkers has lectured and published extensively in the area of health care and research administration, specifically focusing on strategic planning, clinical services, clinical research administration, business development and facility planning.

Mr. Woelkers earned his master’s degree at Central Michigan University in 1981 and has served on the Boards of several national organizations including the Association of Cancer Executives, the Association of Community Cancer Centers, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Haven Hospice of North Florida.

Updated January 2008