News
Zurawsky to Retire After 18 Years at AACI
Association of American Cancer Institutes
AACI announces the retirement of Chris Zurawsky, MS, MPPM, director of communications, effective June 1. Since 2008, Zurawsky has played a key role in shaping AACI publications, including AACI Update, Commentary, and the annual report. His work was informed by an extensive background in journalism and past communications roles in higher education and health care.
Drawing from decades of work in newsrooms, Zurawsky approached AACI communications with curiosity, a critical eye, and attention to detail. He worked as a journalist for the New Pittsburgh Courier, the McKeesport Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He has taught journalism at the University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, and the University of Newcastle, Australia, and received his master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He also earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Over the past 18 years, Zurawsky took part in several key stages of AACI's evolution, sharing news about the introduction of new programs, initiatives, and events, and charting the association's growth from a team of 5 to 15. His tenure was bookended by the leadership of founding Executive Director Barbara Duffy-Stewart, MPH, who led AACI from 1999 to her retirement in 2018, and Jennifer W. Pegher, MA, MBA, who became executive director in 2018.
In 2011, Zurawsky ran for the 5th District seat of the Pittsburgh City Council and he remains involved in community organizations. He is president of Friends of Schenley Park, a volunteer organization that aims to protect the scenic trails and cultural landmarks of the 56-acre historic greenspace, and an active member of the Schenley Park Tennis Association. In his retirement, Zurawsky looks forward to continued participation in these groups and more time with his family.
Zurawsky is succeeded in the director of communications role by Emily E. Stimmel, MA. AACI members should continue to send AACI Update submissions to [email protected]. All other communications-related emails may be sent to [email protected].