Joel Helmke, M.H.A., chief executive officer for cancer healthcare, is responsible for enterprise performance and operational execution across the clinical cancer program at the Knight Cancer Institute. He is a nationally recognized healthcare leader with 30 years of experience advancing cancer care delivery, operational excellence, strategic growth and patient-centered innovation at leading oncology institutions.

Before joining the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Helmke served as chief operating officer of cancer services at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple University Health System, where he oversaw operations for the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and helped guide the organization’s oncology strategy. Previously, he was senior vice president of clinical operations at City of Hope National Medical Center, leading major facility development projects. Earlier in his career, Helmke served as system vice president for WellStar Cancer Network, where he strengthened oncology governance and expanded supportive care services. He also spent 14 years at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, ultimately serving as executive director and division administrator of internal medicine.

Helmke holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Texas State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has served as board chair of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers and received the 2026 Marsha Fountain Award for Excellence in Oncology Administration.