New Endowed Chair To Advance Cancer Care and Research at Moffitt
Key Takeaways:
- Philanthropists Susan Davis and Richard Henley have established the Susan L. Davis, RN, EdD, & Richard J. Henley Physician in Chief Endowed Chair at Moffitt Cancer Center, providing permanent funding to support leadership in cancer care, research and innovation
- The endowment inspired by Karen Lu, MD, will help Moffitt recruit top oncology talent, expand access to cancer care across Florida and advance the use of artificial intelligence
- Designed to exist in perpetuity, the endowment provides sustainable funding that will help drive future discoveries, strengthen patient care and support Moffitt’s mission
Philanthropists Susan Davis and Richard Henley are investing in Moffitt to help find a cure.
Philanthropists Susan Davis, a longtime Moffitt Cancer Center Hospital Board member, and Richard Henley have established a new endowed chair to drive the cancer center’s continued leadership in cancer care, research and innovation.
The Susan L. Davis, RN, EdD, & Richard J. Henley Physician in Chief Endowed Chair is a permanent endowment inspired by the vision of Karen Lu, MD, physician in chief at Moffitt. The generous gift reflects Davis and Henley’s shared commitment to advancing cancer care and research while strengthening Moffitt’s ability to recruit and retain world-class leaders.
As a breast cancer survivor, Davis is especially focused on elevating the level of cancer care delivered locally.
“We’re investing in Moffitt because of our confidence in their science, their commitment to patients, and the work being done to improve the quality of life and eliminate cancer for generations going forward,” Davis said.
Sustaining Moffitt’s Future
Lu joined Moffitt in 2024 and oversees the Moffitt Medical Group, Florida’s largest multidisciplinary medical group practice made up of over 600 faculty members and advanced practice providers. She is a nationally recognized physician-scientist who focuses on ovarian and endometrial cancers and the management of women at genetically high risk for these cancers.
Davis is a member of Moffitt’s Hospital Board of Directors, which oversees the operation of the cancer center’s hospital and outpatient and diagnostic facilities.
“The role that Karen has is vital to the sustainability of the future of Moffitt,” Davis said. “We want to support her vision, her energy and her enthusiasm for the incredible medical care being provided at Moffitt.”
The endowed chair will allow Moffitt to accelerate efforts to recruit and cultivate top oncology experts. This will lay the foundation for Moffitt to expand across Florida, bringing cancer care closer to our patients. The gift will also advance the integration of artificial intelligence into cancer research and patient care.
Philanthropic Investment in Medicine
By investing in Moffitt’s people and strategic priorities, Davis and Henley will help position the cancer center to drive transformative discoveries that will ultimately save more lives. Because the fund is designed to exist in perpetuity, the endowment shows the critical role of philanthropic investment in medicine.
An endowment is similar to a large investment account that is designed to last forever. The original gift remains intact while only a portion of its earnings is spent to support needs. Endowments create financial stability, predictable annual funding and long-term support for a mission, which is critical for nonprofit organizations like Moffitt.
“We are incredibly grateful to Susan and Richard for their vision and generosity,” Lu said. “Their support strengthens our ability to recruit outstanding leaders, pursue innovative research and continue delivering exceptional care for people facing cancer.”
