OHSU Board ushers in Knight Cancer Group era with approval, governance framework
The Oregon Health & Science University Board of Directors today unanimously approved the Knight Cancer Group, or KCG, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and adopted its bylaws — officially launching a transformative new force in cancer care and research in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
With this action, the Knight Cancer Group is formally established as a self-governing entity operating under OHSU’s hospital license. The structure reaffirms alignment with OHSU’s statewide clinical, research and academic missions, while empowering the KCG to guide Knight Cancer Institute on budgets, leadership and strategy in partnership with university leadership.
The newly approved bylaws set clear standards for governance and outline procedures that will ensure responsible stewardship, foster innovation and support the continued growth of a cancer program focused on delivering leading-edge care.
Knight Cancer Institute CEO Brian Druker, M.D., who will be KCG’s inaugural president, celebrated the bylaws’ approval, saying the formation of KCG will allow the Knight Cancer Institute to hire top talent, make decisions efficiently, accelerate diagnostics and treatments, and simplify the cancer care experience.
“The formation of the Knight Cancer Group bylaws will support the Knight Cancer Institute in achieving our vision of creating a world-class patient experience,” Druker said. “It also empowers us to be good stewards of the generosity of our donors, including the incredible gift from the Knights.”
In August 2025, Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, announced a $2 billion gift to the Knight Cancer Institute with a goal of setting a new global standard for cancer care.
Since the Knights’ gift was announced, OHSU opened a $650 million, 128-bed, 530,000-square-foot building, Vista Pavilion, devoted entirely to cancer care. It opened its doors to patients in April.
OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., called today’s approval a historic moment that will help realize the Knights’ vision.
“I am thrilled to enter this exciting new chapter and celebrate this historic moment,” Elnahal said. “With KCG, we will expand the cancer care program and elevate the Knight Cancer Institute as a national center of excellence for cancer care. Together, we’re focused on advancing discoveries and ensuring they reach the people who need them most.”
OHSU Board of Directors Chair Susan King, M.S., RN, CEN, FAAN, said the KCG’s approval reflects a continuation of the commitment OHSU has to patients with cancer.
“This approval reflects the strong partnership between OHSU and the Knight Cancer Group and a shared dedication to advancing cancer care,” said King. “Together, we are building a unified approach to accelerate discovery and improve outcomes for patients.”