NRG Oncology Announces Sheila Evans’ Retirement & Appoints Mary Jo Antonelli as Senior Director, Pittsburgh Operations Center

07/29/2026

After a 44-year career in nursing, the majority of it dedicated to advancing oncology research and patient care, Sheila Evans, DNP, RN, AOCN announced her retirement from NRG Oncology and the NSABP Foundation at the end of July. Sheila has served as Senior Director of the NRG Oncology Pittsburgh Operations Center and NSABP Foundation Chief Operations Officer since 2020. She will continue to support the NSABP Foundation leadership team on several high-priority projects to help ensure a seamless transition.

Throughout her career, Sheila has been a steadfast leader whose expertise, dedication, and vision have helped guide both NRG Oncology and the NSABP Foundation through periods of growth and change. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering focus on advancing cancer clinical research have left a lasting impact on our organizations, our colleagues, and ultimately, the patients we serve.

“Sheila’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission have shaped our organization in countless ways. Her decades of service have strengthened our clinical research enterprise and positioned us to continue delivering practice-changing research for patients with cancer. While we will certainly miss her thoughtful guidance and collaborative spirit, we are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed. On behalf of our leadership team, I wish Sheila and Rich many wonderful adventures as they begin this exciting new chapter together.”

– Priya Rastogi, MD; NSABP Foundation Chief Executive Officer; NRG Oncology Breast Cancer Committee Chair

“Throughout her distinguished career in oncology, Sheila has exemplified the professionalism, integrity, and compassion that define our organization. She has been an exceptional colleague and leader whose influence has extended across every aspect of our clinical research operations. Her commitment to advancing oncology research and supporting those around her has left an enduring legacy. We thank Sheila for her remarkable service and wish her every happiness and success as she embarks on this well-deserved retirement.”

– Norman Wolmark, MD; NSABP Foundation Chair; NRG Oncology Group Chair

As Sheila begins an exciting new chapter pursuing a lifelong dream of sailing the oceans with her husband, we are pleased to share the following leadership transitions that will support the continued success of our clinical research operations:

Mary Jo Antonelli, MBA, MHA, current Director of the Quality Assurance Audit Program for NRG Oncology SDMC, will assume the role of NRG Oncology Pittsburgh Operations Senior Director and NSABP Foundation Chief Operating Officer of Quality and Compliance, effective August 3, 2026. Her wide-ranging experience with both organizations, coupled with her expertise in regulatory compliance and data management, will further strengthen our leadership team.

Dr. Shannon Puhalla will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Operations for NSABP Foundation. In addition to her current responsibilities, Dr. Puhalla will bring her extensive experience and clinical leadership to this expanded role.

Please join us in thanking Sheila for her decades of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the mission of improving the lives of patients through clinical research. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this well-earned new adventure.