The Community Cancer Center will undergo a $10 million expansion soon. (Photo courtesy of the Community Cancer Center)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - The interim director of the Community Cancer Center said there will be no effect to the fundraising campaign for the center's expansion now that Director Barb Nathan is leaving for a new job at Westminster Village.

Nathan released the move Tuesday. She will become the director at Westminster in October. Interim Center Director Roger Hunt said the committee will continue the charge of raising $8 million for the expansion.

"The good news is that we've cajoled to Barb that she really needs to be part of that campaign committee, and she's not going to be that far away at Westminster, and she cares a lot about it and will be right there working with us," Hunt said.

The expansion includes a new 2-story medical oncology wing, exam rooms and food service area. Hunt said about half of the money has been raised so far.

A national search will start soon.

"I believe it will take us six to nine months, and I'm in it for the journey and to make a smooth transition," Hunt said.

Nathan has been with the center for 16 years. Hunt said the next leader needs to understand the cancer field from the standpoint of grants, research, treatments and managing a complex facility as a community service.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.