Community Oncology Alliance Appoints Christine Pfaff as Director of Clinical initiatives
Table of Contents
- 1. Community Oncology Alliance Appoints Christine Pfaff as Director of Clinical initiatives
- 2. What specific skills or experiences might Christine Pfaff leverage in her new leadership role at COA, given the importance of quality improvement within the institution?
- 3. COA Appoints Christine Pfaff to Leadership Role
- 4. Expanding Leadership at COA: A New Chapter
- 5. Christine Pfaff’s Background and Expertise
- 6. The importance of COA Accreditation
- 7. Impact of New Leadership on COA’s Future
- 8. COA’s Role in International Standards & Compliance
- 9. Benefits of COA Accreditation for Organizations
- 10. Navigating the COA Accreditation Process: Practical Tips
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has announced the appointment of Christine Pfaff, MBA, RPh, as its new director of clinical initiatives. Pfaff brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as senior regional director of operations for the American Oncology Network (AON), adn prior to that, as associate director of practice operations at the Zangmeister Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Pfaff’s expertise in community oncology clinic and pharmacy operations will be instrumental in supporting independent practices as they navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. She will also lead the Community Oncology Pharmacy Association (COPA), COA’s peer network for medically integrated pharmacy teams, which serves both independent community oncology and urology practices. Pfaff has been an active member of COPA since 2016, serving on its board.
In her new capacity, pfaff will also contribute to COA’s work on payment reform, educational initiatives, and employer engagement through the National Cancer Treatment Alliance. Her appointment is seen as a significant asset to the association.
“Christine is exactly what COA needs: an individual who understands community oncology and medically integrated dispensing pharmacy from top to bottom,” said Nicolas Ferreyros, COA’s managing director. “Her experience in independent community oncology and long-standing connections with COA members make her a natural fit. We look forward to working with her to support our members.”
Pfaff’s background includes a strong commitment to the patient care model offered by community oncology. Her direct operational experience is expected to provide valuable insights and practical solutions for COA members facing complex challenges in delivering cancer care.
What specific skills or experiences might Christine Pfaff leverage in her new leadership role at COA, given the importance of quality improvement within the institution?
COA Appoints Christine Pfaff to Leadership Role
Expanding Leadership at COA: A New Chapter
The Council on Accreditation (COA) has announced the appointment of Christine Pfaff to a key leadership position within the organization. This strategic move signals COA’s continued commitment to advancing quality and fostering continuous improvement across the human services sector. Details regarding the specific role were not immediately available, but the appointment underscores COA’s dedication to bolstering its team with experienced professionals.
Christine Pfaff’s Background and Expertise
While specific details of Pfaff’s prior roles are currently limited in public announcements, her appointment to a leadership position at COA suggests a strong background in accreditation, quality assurance, or a related field within human services. COA accreditation is highly regarded, and leadership roles require a deep understanding of:
Accreditation Standards: Familiarity with COA’s rigorous standards and the accreditation process.
Human Services Landscape: A comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing organizations delivering social services.
Quality Improvement: expertise in implementing and evaluating quality improvement initiatives.
Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to led teams and drive organizational success.
The importance of COA Accreditation
COA accreditation is a vital process for organizations providing behavioral healthcare, child and youth progress, and other human services. It demonstrates a commitment to:
Ethical Practices: Adherence to the highest ethical standards in service delivery.
Client-Centered care: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of individuals served.
Data-Driven Outcomes: Utilizing data to measure and improve program effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement: A dedication to ongoing evaluation and enhancement of services.
Organizations seeking COA accreditation undergo a thorough review process, including self-assessment, on-site visits, and peer review. Prosperous accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence and provides a competitive advantage.
Impact of New Leadership on COA’s Future
Christine Pfaff’s leadership is expected to contribute to COA’s ongoing efforts to:
Enhance accreditation Standards: Continuously refine accreditation standards to reflect best practices in the field.
Expand Accreditation Reach: Increase the number of organizations participating in the COA accreditation process.
Promote quality Improvement Resources: Develop and disseminate resources to support organizations in their quality improvement efforts.
Advocate for Human Services: Champion policies and initiatives that support the human services sector.
COA’s Role in International Standards & Compliance
COA’s influence extends beyond national borders. The organization actively participates in the development of international standards for quality assurance in human services. This global perspective is crucial for organizations operating in diverse cultural contexts or seeking to expand their services internationally.Understanding international compliance requirements, such as those related to data privacy and ethical conduct, is increasingly critically important for human service providers.
Benefits of COA Accreditation for Organizations
Investing in COA accreditation yields numerous benefits for organizations, including:
Increased Credibility: Enhanced reputation and trust among stakeholders.
Improved Quality of Services: A framework for continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery.
Enhanced Funding Opportunities: Increased eligibility for grants and funding from foundations and government agencies.
Competitive Advantage: Differentiation from other organizations in the field.
* Staff Development: Opportunities for staff training and professional development.
For organizations considering COA accreditation, here are some practical tips:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Standards: Thoroughly review COA’s accreditation standards and guidelines.
- Conduct a Gap Analysis: Identify areas where your organization’s practices align with and deviate from the standards.
- Develop an implementation Plan: Create a detailed plan for addressing any gaps and implementing necesary changes.
- Engage Staff: Involve staff at all levels in the accreditation process.
- Seek Support: Utilize COA’s resources and consider engaging a consultant with expertise in COA accreditation.