By Luciana Starks

Although gridlock continues in Washington, D.C., with expected funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health and medical care reimbursement, City of Hope executives expressed confidence in the organization’s future during a Nov. 27 City Forum.

Michael A. Friedman (Photo by Philip Channing)

Speaking to 400 employees in Cooper Auditorium and by webcast, Michael A. Friedman, M.D., chief executive officer and holder of the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair, pointed to City of Hope’s heritage, leadership and recently approved Strategic Plan to ensure the organization’s future success.

“We have a Strategic Plan that consists of a number of elements that are solid and lead to a better future and a number of elements that are flexible to address unforeseen opportunities or challenges as they arise,” he told attendees.

Friedman cited various milestones including the ground breaking for the City of Hope Antelope Valley Cancer Center, receipt of a major gift from the Kaplan-Fein family to fund construction of the Kaplan Family Pavilion and City of Hope’s five-year renewal as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Kathleen Kane

Kathleen Kane, J.D., chief philanthropy and external relations officer, discussed our rich history as well as the many events planned to celebrate City of Hope’s 100th anniversary, inviting employees to learn more and share their stories at the new Centennial website.

Strategic plan update

Robert Stone, president, announced that the board of directors approved the Strategic Plan, the integrated financial plan and the approach for implementing the top priorities during the next year.

Robert Stone (Photo by p.cunningham)

Stone noted that the Strategic Plan positions City of Hope to thrive in a difficult environment, sets priorities for the next 10 years and is on track for implementation.

He outlined four major areas of focus and strategic priorities within each area:

Clinical

• Expand leading position in hematology and transplantation
• Expand community presence and partnerships
• Strengthen and selectively grow solid tumor programs
• Continue to translate and apply research findings to further patient care

Research

• Strengthen signature programs in diabetes and stem cell research
• Build on current research strengths
• Continue to grow our outstanding translational research capabilities

Education

• Leverage education externally as a strategic asset
• Cultivate a culture of learning
• Develop educational structure to promote program collaboration

Philanthropy and External Relations

• Increase giving at all levels
• Build and expand our national reputation
• Strengthen our leading culture of philanthropy

Stone said five operational enablers have been identified to ensure that City of Hope implements the strategies in a manner that makes best use of its resources.

For more information visit the Strategic Plan Initiative website at www.coh.org/strategic-planning-initiative.

Stephanie Neuvirth (Photo by p.cunningham)

Rewards and recognition

Stephanie Neuvirth, chief human resources and diversity officer, announced the Values in Action Rewards and Recognition program.

She outlined the objective of the program, which allows City of Hope to recognize employees, faculty and staff nominated by their colleagues as demonstrating City of Hope’s values: compassion, service with a sense of urgency, integrity, intellectual curiosity, excellence and collaboration.

For more information, visit the Values in Action Rewards and Recognition program Web page.

Marty Sargeant

Facilities

Marty Sargeant, chief operating officer, summarized major on and off-campus facilities initiatives as well as the impact of the Metro Gold Line extension construction and 2013 intersection closures.

These minor road closures are small inconveniences but also opportunities for City of Hope to improve access to patients, visitors and families, he said.

Visit the Metro Gold Line website for more construction updates.