ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Nancy R. Daly, MS, MPH, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Conquer Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Foundation, a move that reflects Ms. Daly’s growing leadership of the organization and successful expansion of its research grants and awards program. By funding breakthrough cancer research and supporting the dissemination of critical knowledge and research advances with physicians and patients worldwide, Conquer Cancer works to create a world free from the fear of cancer. 

“Ms. Daly’s lifetime commitment to improving the lives of people with cancer, along with her broad research and clinical experience, make her uniquely suited to serve as the CEO of Conquer Cancer, and we are proud and fortunate to have her at the helm,” said Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO, Chief Executive Officer of ASCO. “In particular, her leadership, passion, and creative vision for Conquer Cancer have increased its impact and raised its visibility as a leading cancer philanthropy.”

Today, the Conquer Cancer Grants and Awards Program is one of the largest programs of its kind among professional societies, with more than $135 million in funding awarded since its inception in 1984. Under Ms. Daly’s leadership, Conquer Cancer has diversified the Foundation’s funding structure, endowed more than 71 cancer research grants and awards helping to ensure the future of oncology research, and presented more than 4,600 grants and awards to physician-scientists and oncology professionals in more than 75 countries.  

“ASCO is the most trusted organization providing cancer care information, education, and research support. It’s my job to promote this fact and to engage potential donors who can help accelerate our mission, which is to create a world free from the fear of cancer,” said Ms. Daly. “It is my privilege and honor to be the CEO of Conquer Cancer and to lead this charge.”

Ms. Daly launched her career at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center as a clinical nurse, where she gained a deeper appreciation of the doctors and oncology professionals caring for patients. Her work with cancer experts provided an understanding of the importance of clinical and basic research and fueled her passion to advance the science of cancer.

Following graduate school at Columbia University, she stayed on as Director of Operations in the Radiation Oncology Department before resuming her clinical career as Director of the Chemical-modifier Program at the Joint Center for Radiotherapy at Harvard Medical School. Ms. Daly also managed Government Relations for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, and in 2004, she joined ASCO as Director of Cancer Research and Policy, where her background in clinical research helped ASCO expand its focus on research issues and efforts. During the following years, ASCO’s Grants Program grew, and she took on the role of Director of Grants for Conquer Cancer, known at that time as The ASCO Foundation. In 2009, Ms. Daly assumed the role of Executive Director of the Foundation and in 2016 she became its Chief Philanthropic Officer and Executive Vice President.

Ms. Daly holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Russell Sage College and Master of Science and Master of Public Health degrees from Columbia University. She also holds a post-Masters Nurse Practitioner degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professionals. 

Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, funds research for every cancer, every patient, everywhere. In 1964, seven oncologists created the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), now a global network of nearly 45,000 cancer professionals. As ASCO’s foundation, Conquer Cancer supports groundbreaking research and education so both doctors and patients have the resources they need. For more information, visit CONQUER.ORG.