EAST BAY, Calif. — Laura Kavanagh, MBA, MHA, RN, FACHE, has been named executive director of the Stanford Medicine Sutter Health Cancer Center, bringing extensive experience in oncology program development and leadership. Her first day was Dec. 2.
Kavanagh will lead the development of the Cancer Center team, oversee program planning, and align efforts with staff and physicians to prepare for the center’s anticipated opening in fall 2026. Her expertise in strategic planning and fostering physician partnerships will be pivotal in positioning the center as a leader in advanced, patient-centered oncology care in the East Bay.
She joins Sutter Health from Sentara Health, a 12-hospital system in Virginia and North Carolina, where she served as regional director of oncology. At Sentara, Kavanagh drove operational improvements and strategic growth across two comprehensive cancer centers and a community hospital oncology service line. Previously, she led clinical operations at University of Virginia Health, overseeing oncology clinics, radiation oncology, and infusion centers. Her accomplishments include increasing patient volume, stabilizing staffing, and establishing new physician practices.
Kavanagh, a licensed registered nurse, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University. She holds dual master’s degrees in healthcare administration and business administration from Georgia State University.
In her new role, Kavanagh will report to Brad Goodson, CEO of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, and collaborate with Maria Gonzalez, vice president of the Cancer Destination Service Line at Stanford Health Care. She will work closely with her dyad partner, Dr. Kavitha Ramchandran, medical director at Stanford Medicine, to establish quality priorities and long-term goals for the Cancer Center.
“Laura’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental in our mission to bring world-class cancer care closer to home for our East Bay communities,” said Tosan Boyo, president of Sutter Health’s Greater East Bay Division. “Her ability to build innovative programs and foster strong partnerships will ensure this center becomes a trusted resource for patients and families, delivering exceptional care at every stage of their journey.”
The Stanford Medicine Sutter Health Cancer Center is a significant investment in the East Bay, aimed at providing state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer care. Under Kavanagh’s leadership, the center will offer expanded access to coordinated oncology services, supporting patients and their families from prevention and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.
