Patty Saponaro, MS, MBA, Associate Chair for Administration in the Department of Radiation Oncology, will step down from her role in April 2022.
Saponaro joined UNC Health in April 2009 as a hospital supervisor in Radiation Oncology. During this time, she served as a member of operations leadership, where she worked to recognize staff members and elevate career advancement opportunities for team members. She also coordinated the successful administrative transition to the N.C. Cancer Hospital and the successful electronic medical records transition.
In 2011, she became Oncology Access Manager, where she was responsible for the daily operation of complex Oncology patient services. In June 2015, Saponaro became the School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology’s Associate Chair for Administration and Radiation Oncology Hospital Clinic Director.
Saponaro earned a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UNC-Chapel Hill. She later earned her MBA from St. Joseph’s College, Lean Six Sigma Purple Belt and participated in the Advanced Leader Academy. Additionally, she consistently presented well-received talks at annual conferences, webinars and podcasts for her national association, the Society of Radiation Oncology Administrators. Her skills and interests in quality improvement helped to support the QA/QI activities within Radiation Oncology and the HCS.
“Patty has had a tremendous positive impact on our Clinical Cancer Center, our Department of Radiation Oncology, and our Healthcare System,” said Department Chair Lawrence Marks, MD. “We are much indebted to her for her years of skillful service to the people of NC and our faculty and staff.”
Additionally, Saponaro has an extensive volunteer history, serving organizations including the Flint River Arts Council, Mitchell County Hospital, United Harmony Community Chorus, N.C. Adult Day Services Association and N.J. Speech-Language Hearing Association.