Executive Director for Governmental Affairs
Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Lisa A. Damiani joined the administration of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in 2001 as Executive Director for Governmental Affairs. She is the RPCI liaison to elected officials and government agencies and monitors federal and state legislative activities, represents RPCI interests to legislators, and provide recommendations to the RPCI administration regarding legislative initiatives. Ms. Damiani also coordinates activities within RPCI to ensure timely response to issues raised in legislative forums and prepares “white papers” on healthcare issues which impact the Institute.

Ms. Damiani came to RPCI from the New York State Office of Science Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), where she was Director of Operations. In that position, she developed the strategic plan that implemented NYSTAR programs as prescribed by New York statute, and effectively launched the new state agency which awarded over $100 million in its first year of operation, 2000-2001. She also has served as Western New York Regional Office Director to New York State Assembly Minority Leader, John J. Faso and as Chief of Staff in the Office of New York State Attorney General Dennis Vacco, State of New York.

Ms. Damiani graduated from State University of New York at Potsdam. She is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Buffalo and serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers.

Ms. Damiani is active member of numerous civic organizations in the region. She served as a member of the Special Events Committee of the American Cancer Society, Co-Chairperson of the Auction Committee of the Kelly for Kids Foundation, and a mentor at Career Day at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. She is currently Co-Chairperson of the Junior League of Buffalo’s Child and Family Services Committee; President of the Board of Directors for the Joan A. Male Family Support Center and was selected in 2005 by Business First as a member of the First 40 Under 40.