PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT B. Mark Evers, MD, (TO) Director of the Markey Cancer Center (MCC), is assisted by eight Senior Leaders who support activities in cancer research, outreach, education and training, clinical care and administration. With the exception of some notable additions during this reporting period that have expanded the effectiveness and expertise of the Senior Leadership team, this highly experienced group of leaders has worked together since 2009, overseeing MCC’s initial NCI designation in 2013, a successful renewal application in 2018, the preparations for this renewal and quest for Comprehensive Cancer Center status, as well as a future five-year outlook in the form of MCC’s FY24-28 Strategic Plan. MCC’s Senior Leaders leverage all available resources at the University of Kentucky, state and national levels to further their cohesive plan to fulfill MCC’s mission to reduce cancer incidence and mortality with a focus on Kentucky through research, prevention, treatment, education and community engagement. To that end, MCC’s Leadership, Planning and Evaluation efforts are centered around the following Specific Aims: 1) Implement and execute MCC’s FY24-28 Strategic Plan and lead MCC based on the opportunities and needs of the statewide catchment area and in tandem with institutional and NCI priorities; 2) Lead the ongoing planning and evaluation of the center, coordinating and responding to internal and external reviews; and 3) Ensure the appropriate resources and infrastructure to foster success across all areas of MCC’s Strategic Plan, including the success of MCC’s Research Programs, Shared Resources, clinical and translational scientific endeavors, and outreach and mentoring initiatives. MCC’s planning and evaluation efforts, sustaining its substantial growth since 2018, are accomplished through External and Internal Advisory Boards that meet regularly, the Director’s Council and committees that provide both the Director and Senior Leadership ongoing guidance and support. Future directions for the center are guided by plans outlined in MCC’s FY24-28 Strategic Plan, which was constructed through an extensive review and vetting process with input from key internal and external stakeholders. The plan is a living document and roadmap to guide the next five years of excellence in key pillars of activity across the center: 1) basic research, 2) clinical translation, 3) cancer prevention and control, 4) cancer education and mentoring, 5) community outreach and engagement, and 6) clinical care. These pillars are reinforced by strong institutional support, philanthropy, Shared Resource Facilities, and administration, all of which work in tandem to support a cancer center poised to continue its trajectory of increasing contributions to cancer research, training, education, and outreach.