Rogel Cancer Center names Christopher Liekweg associate director for administration

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center has named Christopher J. Liekweg, M.B.A., CMPE, associate director for administration and chief department administrator.

Liekweg is a senior administrator at VCU Health, the academic medical center of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he serves as administrative director for finance and operations for the department of internal medicine. Liekweg also held the lead administrative roles for VCU Health’s department of neurology and was interim administrator for neurosurgery. He was previously executive director for radiation oncology at the University of Louisville.

As associate director for administration, Liekweg will lead administrative efforts across Rogel, including the center’s National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant, which provides $37 million in funding over the 2023-2028 period. He will oversee an administrative team that includes research administration, clinical trials support, communications, community outreach, education and training, finance and other administrative functions.

“We’re excited to bring Chris’s financial and administrative expertise to our Rogel team. He’ll bring proven leadership to these critical functions. We will benefit from his seasoned leadership in cancer-focused units at two academic medical centers  as we approach our upcoming NCI grant renewal and the launch of new strategic initiatives across our cancer center’s missions,” said Eric R. Fearon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Rogel Cancer Center.

Liekweg will serve as a member of Rogel’s senior leadership team, which sets strategic direction for the cancer center. He will also be part of the University of Michigan Medical School’s team of chief department administrators, with a dual report to the Rogel director and the Medical School’s chief operating officer.

Liekweg replaces Julie Brabbs, M.B.A., who retired from Michigan Medicine. His appointment is effective Jan. 12, 2026.