Honoring 35 Years of Service: Celebrating Gary’s Career and Contributions to FCDS
After 35 years of dedicated service, leadership, and innovation, Gary will soon retire from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the program.
Gary’s journey with FCDS began as a contract programmer, where his technical expertise and problem-solving skills quickly distinguished him as a vital contributor. He later joined the University of Miami as an employee and went on to serve as Deputy Director, a role in which his influence extended well beyond day-to-day operations. Across each phase of his career, Gary consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing cancer surveillance and strengthening the quality, integrity, and usability of data.
Over the years, Gary has made significant contributions to the field of cancer surveillance as a developer, educator, director, advisor, and leader. His work has helped shape how cancer data are collected, processed, and applied—both within Florida and nationally. He has served as a member and chair on numerous committees for NAACCR, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Florida Department of Health, lending his expertise to initiatives that have influenced standards, policy, and practice across the cancer surveillance community.
One of Gary’s most enduring legacies is his role in developing and standardizing innovative data processing techniques that integrate diverse data sources, including claims data and hospital discharge data. These efforts have been a cornerstone of the FCDS database, significantly enhancing its robustness, analytic capacity, and value for research, public health planning, and cancer control efforts.
Beyond his technical and professional achievements, Gary has been a trusted mentor and colleague to many. His willingness to teach, advise, and collaborate has left a lasting impression on staff, partners, and peers throughout the cancer surveillance field.
While there is no exact replacement for Gary, Dr. Monique Hernandez will assume the role of Deputy Director, effective January 1, 2026. She brings almost 18 years of registry experience at FCDS, served as Board Member and Co-Chair of NAACCR committees, and has collaborated closely with Florida stakeholders, C-CRAB, and DOH. She is excited for this next chapter.
Finally, as Gary enters retirement, we celebrate not only his impressive accomplishments but also the lasting impact of his leadership and vision. His contributions have helped shape FCDS into what it is today and will continue to influence the field for years to come. We thank Gary for his years of service and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.
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