CHDI is led by two co-investigators, James Cleary, MB, BS, and Patrick Remington, MD, MPH, and as well as two co-directors, Rick Strickland, MA, and Amy Williamson, MPP. CHDI also has a small staff and an advisory committee of UWCCC members and staff.

Co-Investigators

James Cleary, MB, BS
(608) 265-8131

Dr. Cleary is the Program Leader for UWCCC Cancer Control research program and is recognized as an international leader in palliative medicine. In addition, Dr. Cleary has extensive experience in training, dissemination, and development of collaborative programs. He is also the principal investigator for Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

Patrick Remington, MD, MPH
(608) 263-1745

Dr. Remington is Associate Director for Cancer Control and Outreach and has extensive experience in public health and cancer control. Dr. Remington’s current research interests are on methods used to measure the health of communities and on public health approaches to cancer and tobacco control.

Co-Directors

Rick Strickland, MA
(608) 262-0072

Rick is CHDI’s Director for Outreach. He also directs the North Central Spirit of EAGLES Program, a Community Networks Program funded by NCI’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Rick brings over 25 years of organizing and community development experience to CHDI, including health promotion with underserved communities.

Amy Williamson, MPP
(608) 265-0640

Amy is CHDI’s Director for Program Development. She is also a researcher within UWCCC's Cancer Control and Outreach Department focusing on cancer disparities, health care access, and tobacco control. She has over fifteen years of experience conducting and managing cancer control, health policy, and health services research. Amy has also served as a research consultant to community health programs.

Staff

Paul Creswell, BA
(608) 265-9931

Paul is CHDI’s Program Coordinator and a research specialist for UWCCC. Paul has experience across multiple facets of cancer control research, including tobacco control, cancer health disparities, and risk perception.

Beth Esser, BA
(608) 263-6222

Beth is a research specialist with CHDI focusing on minority and underserved patient participation in cancer clinical trials at UW Carbone Cancer Center.  She also is a research specialist in the UWCCC's Phase I Clinical Oncology Program.

Advisory Committee

Dona Alberti, RN, BSN
(608) 263-6222

Dona serves on CHDI's advisory committee.  Dona is also the UWCCC's program administrator for the Phase I and Genitourinary (GU) Clinical Oncology Programs as well as the Assistant Director for Multi-investigator Research and International Collaborations.  She has 25 years of experience in coordinating and conducting clinical trials and administrates the financial and logistical coordination of the Phase I & GU Programs.

Mary Baliker, BS
(608) 263-2212

Mary is the assistant director for Cancer Control and Outreach for UWCCC. She coordinates the overall program and manages staff.  Mary has extensive experience in outreach and program leadership, recently leading clinical research efforts within the UW Institute for Allergy and Immunology, as well as previous cancer control experience with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and the UWCCC.

Maebe Brown, MS
(608) 255-3800 ext: 7811

Maebe brings 20 years of experience in cancer prevention and detection and has a special interest in the needs of those affected by cancer health disparities. Currently she is the Partnership Program manager with NCI's Cancer Information Service – North Central Region. Maebe is a recognized leader in the cancer community and has served on the steering committee of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan since its inception.

Nancy Freeman, BA
(608) 265-4618

Nancy is the executive director of the Wisconsin Cancer Council (WCC), a coalition of almost 40 statewide, regional, and local organizations committed to reducing the burden of cancer. The WCC provides oversight and guidance to the implementation of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. Nancy has over 25 years of experience in cancer control, primarily in health communications and education, and outreach to high risk and underserved populations.

Tracy Schroepfer, PhD
(608) 263-3837

Tracy is a member of UWCCC Cancer Control research program and has extensive experience as a researcher and medical social worker. Currently an assistant professor in the School of Social Work, her research focuses on understanding the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual factors that terminally ill elders feel contribute to a quality dying process, as well as on developing a model to address cancer health disparities in medically-underserved communities.