New interim Leaders for CPRIT

Press Releases

• For Immediate Release
  December 21, 2012 - AUSTIN, TX
• For more information, contact
  Ellen Read (512) 305-8483

CPRIT SELECTS TWO SEASONED EXECUTIVES TO LEAD THE AGENCY FORWARD
Institute appoints Wayne Roberts and Billy Hamilton to leadership roles.

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) today announced the appointment of Wayne Roberts to be Interim Executive Director of the agency. Roberts will serve in this capacity until a permanent Executive Director can be hired. Mansour also announced that former Texas Deputy Comptroller Billy Hamilton has agreed to serve as a senior advisor to the CPRIT Executive Director and CPRIT Oversight Committee.
"I am excited about the appointment of our new interim executive director," said Jimmy Mansour, Chairman of the Oversight Committee, CPRIT's governing body. "Wayne has strong leadership capabilities, as well as a background and experience in state government that will be invaluable to the institute as we move forward."
Roberts served as associate vice president for public policy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston from November 2008 to December 2012. He is a member of the State Pension Review Board, which oversees all Texas public retirement systems; state and local, to ensure they are actuarially sound and comply with state law. His background is heavily weighted towards public finance and budget, especially with respect to public higher education.
Mr. Hamilton works as a private consultant, specializing in issues related to tax, fiscal policy and related issues. Prior to January 2007, he served as Chief Deputy Comptroller of Public Accounts of Texas, where he managed a staff of over 2,800 employees and worked on issues ranging from the rising cost of healthcare to financing Texas' public education system.
"Restoring public confidence in CPRIT is critical, and I believe having two recognized leaders like Wayne and Billy assuming leadership roles will go a long way toward improving the institute's management and restoring confidence in its operations," Mansour said.
About CPRIT
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2007 establishing CPRIT and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in Texas. CPRIT's goal is to expedite innovation and commercialization in the area of cancer research and to enhance access to evidence-based prevention programs and services throughout the state. CPRIT accepts applications and awards grants for a wide variety of cancer-related research and for the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services by public and private entities located in Texas. More information about CPRIT is available on its website, www.cprit.state.tx.us.