Tri-Cities Cancer Center CEO Announces Retirement

Chuck DeGooyer, chief executive officer of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center the past 7 years, today announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2020. DeGooyer was an original leader in the creation and development of the Cancer Center in 1994, when the organization was formed as a partnership of the three Tri-Cities hospitals. DeGooyer left to work as an executive with the American Cancer Society for a period of 10 years, but returned to the Cancer Center to serve as CEO in 2013.

“Chuck has made an indelible mark on cancer care in the Tri-Cities, providing vision, leadership and inspiration to the entire cancer center organization,” said Reza Kaleel, chair of the Cancer Center board of governors. “We are grateful for Chuck’s dedication to guiding the organization the past 7 years.”

DeGooyer feels the timing is right to step away. “I’ve been a part of this amazing organization for close to two decades in total. I’m proud of all that has been accomplished in building this center into a world-class facility where our community can receive the cancer treatment and support they deserve close to home.”

DeGooyer has also been instrumental in the recent transition of the member structure of the Cancer Center. Earlier this year, Lourdes Health and Trios Health departed as members of the Cancer Center, leaving Kadlec as the sole not-for-profit member.

With this new member structure in the formative stages, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center board of governors will be working through defining the future structure of the center and starting the search for DeGooyer’s successor. The Cancer Center board has engaged an independent consulting group to help determine the best path forward.

Together with his wife Michelle, Chuck looks forward to retirement, to be able to spend more time with family and friends, especially their grandchildren. But he’ll certainly miss the people with whom he partnered to bring excellent cancer care to patients in the region. “My colleagues and our patients is what I’ll miss most. I look forward to seeing cancer care in our community continue to advance and grow to serve the needs of the Tri-Cities and surrounding region.”

First-Class Team. World-Class Treatment You Deserve. We are YOUR Tri-Cities Cancer Center. To learn more about the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, please visit www.tccancer.org.