Biography

Jennifer W. Pegher, MA, MBA, is the executive director of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI). She is the second executive director in AACI’s history.

AACI has grown rapidly under Pegher’s leadership, expanding its cancer center membership, welcoming new corporate and sustaining members, and forming new partnerships with like-minded organizations. Since her tenure began in 2018, Pegher has overseen the expansion of AACI’s programs, including initiatives focused on cancer-related public policy, strengthening the cancer center leadership pipeline, global oncology, and improving cancer health outcomes in underserved communities. In 2026, AACI was tapped by National Cancer Institute leadership to coordinate a national effort to speed clinical trial activation timelines, spanning cancer centers, industry, federal agencies, and cancer advocacy organizations.

AACI has also significantly increased leadership development and networking opportunities for members, including new listservs dedicated to special roles and topics and meetings for new cancer center directors, deputy directors, catchment area data scientists, and emerging leaders. The association will launch its Leadership Advancement Program, a yearlong, hybrid course that expands on the foundation provided by its Leadership Development Workshop, in 2027.

Pegher joined AACI in 2012 as government relations manager. In 2015, she was named director of government relations, and in 2018, deputy director. Before joining AACI, Pegher served as executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Previously, she worked in Washington, DC, for former Congressman Philip S. English of Pennsylvania and at America's Credit Unions (formerly the National Association of Federal Credit Unions).

Pegher earned her Executive MBA in Healthcare from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023. She also holds a master of arts degree in government from the Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.