Association of Community Cancer Centers Names New President: Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW

Rockville, MD — Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW was named president of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) today at the association’s virtual 47th Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit. Nelson will lead the organization for the next year, as oncology professionals work to tackle critical issues in cancer care post-pandemic.

Nelson is Program Manager of Compassion and Senior Social Worker at Providence Cancer Institute at Providence Health and Services in Portland, Oregon. Krista serves in clinical, research, and program management roles. As a volunteer, she provides psychosocial care to the houseless community in Portland with Portland Street Medicine. She has served on numerous ACCC committees, and on the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees for 5 years.

Nelson outlined her objectives for her tenure in a keynote speech to meeting participants. She will incorporate a theme of “Real-World Lessons from COVID-19: Driving Oncology Care Forward.” This year-long President’s Theme will focus on three key priorities: the role of health equity and the development of practice-based solutions to reduce barriers and improve outcomes; demonstrating to internal stakeholders the increased need for high-impact psychosocial and supportive care services; and strengthening a culture that supports professional well-being and resilience for members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team.

“Oncology professionals have shown remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of extraordinary challenges,” said Nelson. “Without a doubt, our community will use the lessons we’ve learned this past year to develop a blueprint for moving forward.”

Nelson emphasized her intention to prioritize ACCC’s work on diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational projects. ACCC’s work relating to her theme will continue a series of Business Case Studies to demonstrate the value of specific roles on the cancer care team, the deployment of the ACCC 2019 Comprehensive Cancer Care Survey into actionable program initiatives and value-based payment reform discussions, and the development of practical solutions to improve workflows, pathways, and standard operating procedures.

Nelson is a Past President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) and past Invited Director of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS). She also served as Director on the board of directors of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), and as Director of the American Clinical Social Work Association (ACSWA). In 2019, the Association of Oncology Social Work presented Nelson its Leadership in Oncology Social Work Award.