Lung Cancer Initiative Welcomes Two New Members to the Board of Directors
We are excited to announce the addition of two exceptional leaders to the Lung Cancer Initiative Board of Directors: Mara Bloom, JD, MS, and Anderson Garrett, AGNP-BC. Their combined expertise in oncology leadership, patient care, research, and advocacy will strengthen our mission and help accelerate progress toward better outcomes for those affected by lung cancer.
“Mara brings strong leadership and experience in healthcare administration and a sincere passion for helping cancer patients, and Anderson has been a long-time advocate through her family’s journey and also has extensive clinical expertise,” said Amy Cipau, LCI Founder and Board Chair. “It is an absolute honor to have both of them joining our leadership team.”
Mara Bloom, JD, MS
Mara Bloom is a nationally recognized healthcare leader, strategist, and educator with more than 30 years of experience in the field. Known for her transformative and visionary leadership, Mara brings a collaborative approach grounded in compassion and empathy.
Since February 2025, Mara has served as Vice President of Oncology Services at Duke University Health System, where she oversees oncology service line development and clinical operations across North Carolina. Prior to Duke, Mara spent over 15 years at Mass General Hospital, serving as Senior Vice President of Cancer, Radiation Oncology and Dermatology. In this role, she led clinical and research operations, regional cancer network initiatives, and international affiliations.
Mara has also made significant contributions to the broader oncology community. While at Mass General, she served on the board of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and participated on both the executive committee and the Best Practices Committee. She also co-created and developed the Harvard Medical School Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations, serving as co-Director from 2019 to 2025.
Mara holds a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law, a Master of Science in Public Administration from NYU Wagner School of Public Service and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, graduating from Phi Beta Kappa. She has been recognized for her leadership excellence by the NCCN, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, and the University of Miami School of Law, among other honors.
Anderson Garrett, AGNP-BC
Anderson Garrett is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with extensive expertise in academic hematology/oncology and the pharmaceutical industry. She began her career at Duke University Medical Center in 2010, working in the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy. During her time there, she cared for patients with complex hematologic cancers and cellular therapy needs and served as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Team Lead, supporting multidisciplinary teams within the Multiple Myeloma and Bone Marrow Transplant programs.
In 2021, Anderson joined Takeda Oncology, where she currently serves as a Senior Medical Science Liaison in Oncology Medical Affairs. In this role, she partners with academic and community healthcare teams to advance evidence-based practice, support scientific exchange, and improve outcomes for patients.
Anderson’s commitment to lung cancer advocacy is deeply personal. She lost her mother to lung cancer in 2006 and has since dedicated herself to supporting the lung cancer community. She began volunteering with Lung Cancer Initiative in 2007 (when the organization was North Carolinians Against Lung Cancer) and has played a vital role in sustaining and growing fundraising efforts, including a longstanding golf tournament that has run since 2014. She has also served on the REACH Grant Committee, various event committees and currently the Access Committee.
Anderson’s dedication is rooted in her passion for advancing research, strengthening advocacy and survivorship, and helping accelerate progress toward a cure.