As director of clinical research for Illinois CancerCare, Jamie Harper is responsible for defining strategy and overseeing all clinical trials, ensuring they are executed within established budgets and timelines while maintaining federal regulatory compliance. She serves on Illinois CancerCare’s marketing committee, coordinating efforts to promote clinical trial awareness, and is a facilitator for its Precision Medicine Tumor Board, collecting data to determine genetic mutation incidence rates across the region.
Harper’s leadership at Illinois CancerCare has helped foster numerous community collaborations, including partnerships with Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group; HeartCare Midwest; OSF Saint Francis Medical Center; UnityPoint Health – Methodist; the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria; IPMR; and Illinois Neurological Institute. Under her leadership, Illinois CancerCare, in conjunction with OSF Saint Francis and UnityPoint Health – Methodist, secured a five-year, $12-million National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant as Heartland Cancer Research NCORP, one of just 34 sites across the nation.
As a key speaker for the Illinois CancerCare Foundation’s Clinical Trials Advocacy Program, Harper conducts best-practices workshops at national conferences and helps coordinate speakers for community events. Her expertise earned her a seat on the Society of Clinical Research Associates Board of Directors, where she is involved in strategic planning and educational opportunities throughout the U.S. and Canada. She also chairs the central Illinois chapter, the only location in the state.
Harper is an active member of the Illinois CancerCare Foundation’s CUREageous Committee and chairperson of the Rock Doc Subcommittee, responsible for obtaining community nominations of physicians who exemplify excellent patient care and a commitment to research. She also serves on the State Cancer Plan Workgroup for The Illinois Cancer Partnership, which seeks to reduce the incidence of cancer statewide.
In the summer, Harper assists with the Morton BBQ Throwdown, with proceeds supporting the Illinois CancerCare Foundation. She also enjoys volunteering with her eight-year-old daughter, Haley, for the Metamora branch of the Weekend Snackpac program, providing weekend lunches for students who qualify for free or reduced lunches. iBi
