The Wistar Institute Names Tara Yates Director of Communications

Newswise — PHILADELPHIA—(Jan. 26, 2016)—The Wistar Institute, a global biomedical research leader in cancer, immunology and infectious diseases, and the nation’s first independent biomedical research institute and National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Yates as Director of Communications. Yates fills a crucial leadership role that will expand and strengthen the mission and influence of the Institute through new and original communications efforts that engage fresh audiences, both locally and globally. Yates will work closely with President and CEO Dario C. Altieri, M.D., on a variety of projects that integrate strategic communications and public outreach to build the reputation of Wistar’s world-class science thereby continuing to secure top scientific talent, funding avenues, and support from the community, industry partners, and scientific and civic leaders. “Tara will be vital in positioning Wistar as a regional and global brand synonymous of impactful biomedical research and innovative discovery. Her expertise and proven track record of leading and integrating successful communications campaigns in research–intensive organizations is an ideal match to what we would like Wistar to be known for worldwide: its unique and transformative science,” said Altieri. “Tara’s ability to connect people and science will create the pivotal opportunities to further expand the long-standing image and branding of our Institute as a unique vehicle for research advances that benefit mankind.”

“I’m beyond excited to lead and direct The Wistar Institute’s overall communications efforts to advance the goals of the Institute,” said Yates. “Wistar’s game-changing research in cancer, genetics and vaccine development are in constant evolution with top scientists dedicated to research and discovery. These successes need to continually be at the forefront of the public health and science community’s thought leaders and newsmakers. I hope to collaborate with local and national partners to educate the public about the research that is underway, while building partnerships that are necessary for the development of the Institute. This is an exciting time of growth and re-branding for The Wistar Institute and I am proud to be a part of the rich history of success in medical discovery.”

Yates comes to Wistar from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, in Buffalo, N.Y., where she was Director of Public Affairs in the Marketing Department. While there, she led the Public Affairs team and managed internal, external and crisis communications, media relations, and web content for the comprehensive cancer center.

Yates graduated from Rutgers University, Douglass College, School of Communication Information and Library Studies in New Brunswick, N.J., with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a double minor in communication and sociology. A communications professional with more than a decade of experience in healthcare communications and media, in her free time she applies her public relations know-how to extracurricular activities, which include serving as Vice-Chair of the Public Affairs and Marketing Network (PAMN), a professional organization of academically based comprehensive, clinical, basic and consortium cancer centers (designated by the NCI and members of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI)). PAMN works in close association with the NCI’s Office of Media Relations and Public Affairs to further public awareness of cancer research, prevention, detection and treatment.

The Wistar Institute is an international leader in biomedical research with special expertise in cancer research and vaccine development. Founded in 1892 as the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the country, Wistar has held the prestigious Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute since 1972. The Institute works actively to ensure that research advances move from the laboratory to the clinic as quickly as possible. www.wistar.org.