Patti Stella, CAE, CHCP Named Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Surgical Oncology

ROSEMONT, Ill., May 1, 2026 — The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) is pleased to announce that Patti Stella, CAE, CHCP, has officially been appointed Chief Executive Officer following a vote by the SSO Board of Directors at the SSO 2026 Annual Meeting.

Patti joined SSO in 2012 as Assistant Director of CME and Educational Products and was promoted to Director of Education in 2016. Over the past 13 years, she has played a vital role in shaping and expanding SSO’s educational offerings, strengthening the Society’s learning infrastructure, and advancing SSO’s mission to deliver impactful, high-quality education to surgical oncologists worldwide.

Patti has contributed across nearly every area of the organization and has built strong, trusted relationships with members, volunteers, and staff. Her deep understanding of SSO’s programs and culture uniquely positions her to guide the Society.

“Patti has been an integral part of SSO’s leadership, and we are thrilled to welcome her as Chief Executive Officer,” said Kenneth Tanabe, MD, President of the Society of Surgical Oncology. “Her vision, expertise, and dedication position SSO for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.”

Please join us in congratulating Patti Stella as she steps into this role and continues to guide the organization forward.

About SSO: The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) is a dynamic global community of cancer surgeons shaping advancements in the profession to deliver the highest quality surgical care for cancer patients. SSO promotes leading-edge research, quality standards and knowledge exchange, connecting cancer surgeons worldwide to continuously improve cancer outcomes. Learn more at www.surgonc.org.