Read Time: 5 minutes
Takeaways:
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Under Beckerle’s leadership, Huntsman Cancer Institute flourished, establishing a reputation as a world-class cancer research and treatment center.
- Beckerle described the organization as a “tapestry” of individuals unified by shared values—and a culture she believes is essential to HCI’s continued success.
Impact: Mary Beckerle’s nearly 20-year tenure as CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute was defined by a deep commitment to the institute’s goal of eradicating cancer-related suffering.
In a crowded auditorium, Mary Beckerle, PhD, shared reflections on her nearly 20-year tenure of distinguished service as CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U). Beckerle, who recently stepped down from the role, celebrated Huntsman Cancer Institute’s purpose and unifying cultural “tapestry” of patient and community first.
“The reason Huntsman Cancer Institute is where we are today and why we have so much potential for the future is because of our people, and that we are so incredibly connected to our purpose of eradicating suffering for cancer patients,” said Beckerle. “We draw on that connection to purpose every day. It buoys us up when things are challenging. It energizes us about the potential of what we’re trying to accomplish. And it helps us realize that we’re serving something greater than ourselves.”
Beckerle first came to the U in 1986 as an assistant professor of biology, working under the mentorship of future Nobel Prize laureate Mario Capecchi, PhD. As a cell biologist, she studied how cells move—particularly in sarcomas, cancers of the bone and tissue. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, as well as a recipient of the Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology and the Alfred G. Knudson Prize in Cancer Genetics from the National Cancer Institute.
She joined Huntsman Cancer Institute in 1999, its opening year, and became CEO in 2006. Under her leadership, Huntsman Cancer Institute became the Mountain West’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing the highest standard of cancer care to patients in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah.
Beckerle said she witnessed the incredible development of Huntsman Cancer Institute over its 25-year history, as it has grown to more than 1 million square feet of healing and hope. In this relatively short amount of time, she said Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers have contributed to pioneering scientific discoveries that have benefited and will continue to help patients across the Mountain West and beyond. Beckerle cited one key example—that more genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than anywhere else in the world.
“We share the DNA of Mr. Huntsman’s legacy. We’re always willing to go the extra mile. And when we go the extra mile, we go the extra mile with a smile.”
Mary Beckerle, PhD
She also recognized Jon Huntsman, Sr., co-founder of the institute, for laying both the physical and emotional groundwork needed for this success. Beckerle developed a close relationship with Huntsman during her time as CEO. She remembered his care with patients, how he always knew their names, and how he took care to talk to everyone in the hallways of the institute. Beckerle credited him with teaching her how to navigate obstacles and with establishing a culture grounded in large and small acts of kindness.
“We share the DNA of Mr. Huntsman’s legacy. We’re always willing to go the extra mile. And when we go the extra mile, we go the extra mile with a smile,” said Beckerle. “We celebrate each other, and we realize that every voice matters. We listen to each other, and we learn from each other.”
Beckerle said this sentiment is woven into the fabric of how Huntsman Cancer Institute employees help patients and one another.
“We’re like a tapestry with all different colors that come together to make this incredible pattern. It's both beautiful and strong,” said Beckerle. “This connection is something that we need to understand, value, and intentionally nurture. It is the foundation on which we've been able to do all the magnificent things that we've been able to do."
Though she recognized Huntsman Cancer Institute’s many accomplishments both before and during her tenure, Beckerle also had an eye toward the institute’s promising future. She is particularly excited about the opportunities presented by Huntsman Cancer Institute’s second Comprehensive Cancer Center in Vineyard in Utah County, as well as Huntsman Cancer Institute’s presence at the University of Utah Health Eccles Health Campus in West Valley City.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard, clinicians will be able to reach more patients in Utah County and throughout rural Utah and surrounding states. The Utah County location will offer a wide range of cancer care services, as well as clinical trials to offer cutting-edge cancer therapies. Researchers there will also use new technologies like AI to advance new frontiers in cancer discovery.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute is in an absolutely amazing position to even more dramatically expand our impact, and it’s because of all of you,” said Beckerle, addressing attendees. “Because of your alignment and commitment to our purpose, your commitment to each other and the community we created, and the beautiful culture that inspires us and guides us to do the right thing each and every day.”
Beckerle will next serve on the board of directors of Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Bradley Cairns, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, thanked Beckerle for all she had contributed to the cancer center. Cairns, also a celebrated cell biologist, assumed the position after serving as a longtime member of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s leadership team. He promised Beckerle that Huntsman Cancer Institute would go forward with “tempo,” in reference to one of Beckerle’s personal mottos.
“In my view, there is no measurable separation between Mary Beckerle and the mission, vision, and values of Huntsman Cancer Institute. She has defined them, lived them, and modeled them for so many of us during her 20 years as CEO,” said Cairns. “In those years, she has given us all her energy, time, creativity and intellect, and we are so grateful to her for her amazing passion and dedication. Mary has not just been our leader, but also our heart and soul.”