The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer has announced two key staff promotions. Tracey Burke has been named the foundation’s executive director while Trent Whicker has been named manager of grants and development.
These promotions come from within. Ms. Burke formerly was the foundation’s controller while Mr. Whicker served as an executive fellow.
Ms. Burke joined the foundation in November 2017. Previously, she was chief financial officer at the Tennessee law firm of Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC. Ms.
Burke, a resident of Dalton, has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Georgia College and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee. She will oversee the foundation’s efforts and programs within the Education Advancement Center.
“I am truly honored by this new position,” Ms. Burke said. “This is an exciting time for the Austin Hatcher Foundation with many new programs that are specifically tailored to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and families. Among others, that includes Industrial Arts Therapy, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) study, and an expansion of our diversionary therapy efforts. It is immensely rewarding to be part of this organization.”
Mr. Whicker came to the foundation in August 2018 after previously working at Causeway, a non-profit social innovation studio in Chattanooga, where he served as a consultant and executive fellow. Mr. Whicker earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"A pediatric cancer survivor himself, Mr. Whicker also brings an extensive background in small business and non-profit development and a passion for automotive racing that makes him an ideal fit for the role," officials said. In addition to managing grants, Mr. Whicker will be an instructor in a psycho-oncology IRB study using the foundation’s SimCraft driving simulators.
“These are two people who have come into our organization and immediately made their mark on both professional and personal levels,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn. “These promotions have come somewhat quickly because Tracey and Trent have earned them, with their leadership and commitment to our cause.”