VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center chooses interim director as current leader departs for Philadelphia role

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has chosen its interim director after university officials announced the departure of the current lead to become director of a cancer center in Philadelphia.

In a press release shared on Tuesday, March 24, the university named Monica Baskin -- the deputy director of research at Massey and associate dean for cancer innovation in the VCU School of Medicine -- as the interim director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

She will begin her interim role later this spring.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of interim cancer center director,” Baskin said in the March 24 press release. “Together, we will continue to build on our strong foundation, foster collaboration across disciplines and ensure our work translates into meaningful impact for patients and communities.”

Monica Baskin Headshot (Photo Courtesy: VCU)

Monica Baskin speaks at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in 2025 during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for southern Virginia's only radiation therapy machine. (Photo Courtesy: VCU)

On Thursday, March 19, university officials announced that Robert Winn, director and Lipman Chair in Oncology of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, will join the Fox Chase Cancer Center, affiliated with Temple University Health System, this summer.

Under Winn's leadership, the center earned the prestigious comprehensive cancer center status in 2023.

Winn's last day with VCU will be June 16.

“Rob is truly a pioneer in his field, and we are so grateful for his time and service to VCU and VCU Health,” said Marlon Levy, senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health, in the March 19 press release. “His dedication to research, education and reducing cancer disparities is a clear reflection of Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and our health system's core values. The community-based strategy he outlined and implemented at Massey is truly unique, and a model we will continue to diligently follow.”

Winn is Virginia’s first African American cancer center director.