Professor takes network's vice-presidency
Lynn Matrisian, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Cancer Biology and Ingram Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research, will leave her Vanderbilt post at the end of the year to accept the newly-created position as vice president of research and medical affairs at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, based in Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nonprofit patient-based advocacy organization fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.
Matrisian began her Vanderbilt career in 1986 as an assistant professor of cell biology and was recently recognized for 25 years of service to Vanderbilt. In 2000, Matrisian became the founding chair of the newly-created Department of cancer biology.
In addition to her administrative duties, Matrisian runs a research laboratory and has trained 15 graduate students and 24 postdoctoral fellows. Her laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development, with special emphasis on matrix metalloproteinases. These enzymes have been associated with tumor growth and metastasis.
She has been a prolific researcher, with nearly 250 published papers in scientific journals, and recently held a leadership post as a Special Assistant to the National Cancer Institute director, developing ways to make the national translational cancer research effort more efficient.
Matrisian is a native of Montgomery and is the daughter of the late Delmar McCormick and Marion McCormick of Allenwood.
New CEO for
Albright LIFE
The board of trustees of Albright LIFE Williamsport's parent company, Albright Care Services, has hired Shaun Smith as president and CEO of Albright Care Services, Inc. Smith succeeds Seneca Foote, who retired from the position in August and has been serving as interim CEO since that time. Albright is a not-for-profit, religiously affiliated corporation that operates the Lycoming/Clinton LIFE program in Williamsport.
Smith has 16 years of progressive leadership experience in the senior health care and housing industry. For the last five years, Smith has served as executive vice president of Albright, where he was principally responsible for the operations of two retirement communities, the development and implementation of Living Independently For Elderly (LIFE) programs, Warrior Run Manor, and the in-house pharmacy. Prior to that time, Smith served as vice president of community services, vice president of rehabilitation services, and nursing home administrator at Albright. Smith holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy. He is also licensed as a nursing home administrator and occupational therapist.
"The board made the right decision in choosing Shaun as the new president and CEO," said John A. Ressler, executive director of LIFE Williamsport. "He has the operational experience and the compassion and integrity needed to continue Albright's tradition of providing superior care and services."
The news release said Smith is pleased to be in his new position and is excited about the services Albright offers to seniors through out central Pennsylvania. He commented, "I'm privileged to serve an organization with nearly a century old tradition of providing high quality care. I'm looking forward to creating solutions to the challenges facing health care, especially senior services, in the years to come."
Smith and his wife, Susan, live in Williamsport and have five children. Smith currently chairs the boards of the state association for Alliance for LIFE Providers and the West End Christian Community Center in Williamsport.
Branch manager
completes school
Lisa Cook, Citizens & Northern Bank Tioga branch manager, has graduated from the 2011 PBA Advanced School of Banking held at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College.
Cook, a C&N assistant vice president, is a C&N employee of more than 10 years, having previously served the bank as a teller, loan officer, compliance specialist and IRA administrator. She is a graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School and a 2008 graduate of the PBA School of Banking.
Cook and her husband, Michael, have three children and live in Elkland.
The PBA Advanced School of Banking is a three-year program that builds and expands the knowledge acquired at the PBA School of Banking, a news release said. Citizens & Northern Bank is a local, independent community bank providing complete financial, investment and insurance services.
