Bill Schaller has been appointed director of communications and marketing at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective Feb. 22, 2016.
In his new role at UNC Lineberger, Schaller will direct the organization’s internal and external communications and marketing activities. Additionally, Schaller will serve as the primary communications liaison, working with various departments across the university and health care system and expanding awareness of the center. He and his team will focus on elevating UNC Lineberger’s regional and national reputation through expanded media coverage, targeted marketing outreach and enhanced digital communications.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Schaller as the newest member of our senior leadership,” says Ned Sharpless, MD, director of UNC Lineberger. “UNC Lineberger is moving into a tremendous time of growth, and we’re making major investments in facilities and cancer research.
Bill’s professional experiences at prestigious institutions of higher learning, and in particular, in academic medicine, will be of great value to us. His extensive media relations background will assist us in maintaining our momentum and in securing much-needed recognition for our ongoing work.”
Schaller has 24 years of experience in academic medicine communications. He held media relations positions at Harvard Medical School and its teaching hospitals for more than two decades, including as director of media relations at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston from 2001-2013.
Prior to joining UNC Lineberger, he served as executive director of integrated media at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Schaller earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in public administration from Northeastern University.
“It is a privilege to join the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center family and to be able to support its mission to improve how cancer is prevented, detected and treated,” says Schaller. “UNC Lineberger is one of our country’s truly great cancer centers, and I look forward to helping raise public awareness about the clinical and scientific advances that take place here.”