SCRI Announces New Leadership Team Following Burris Retirement

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) introduced a new executive team in late 2025, following the retirement of its long-serving leader. The appointments were announced as part of a structured transition in the organization’s leadership.

On October 5, 2025, SCRI announced that David R. Spigel would take over as President and Chief Medical Officer, succeeding Howard “Skip” Burris, III, who retired after nearly three decades in the position. The same announcement included the appointments of Melissa Johnson as Chief Scientific Officer and Erika Hamilton as Chief Development Officer, Late Phase.

Drs. Spigel, Johnson, and Hamilton assumed their expanded leadership responsibilities in January 2026. The transition marked a continuation of SCRI’s approach to leadership succession within its research network.

According to SCRI, Melissa Johnson continues to oversee lung cancer research, while Erika Hamilton maintains her leadership of the Breast Cancer Research Program alongside her new executive role. These appointments were highlighted in company communications and on LinkedIn in early 2026.

What the numbers show

• SCRI has conducted over 850 first-in-human clinical trials
• The research network includes more than 1,300 physicians
• SCRI operates across over 200 locations in about 20 U.S. states

SCRI’s research activities span a broad network, with more than 1,300 physicians participating in studies at over 200 sites across approximately 20 states. The organization has been involved in a substantial number of early-phase clinical trials since its founding.

In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with US Oncology Research, aiming to expand access to clinical trials throughout the United States. This collaboration was established to further support the institute’s research objectives and reach.

Erika Hamilton stated on LinkedIn in January 2026 that she began her new position as Chief Development Officer, Late Phase, while continuing her work in breast cancer research. The leadership changes were also noted in SCRI’s public communications as reinforcing the institute’s scientific focus.

Howard “Skip” Burris, III, retired as President and Chief Medical Officer in late 2025, concluding a tenure that spanned nearly 30 years. The transition to new leadership was marked by official announcements and updates from the organization.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.