Tena Messer

Tena oversees practice operations for AON in the eastern United States including the successful establishment of Messino Cancer Centers six medical oncology practices within six months. Throughout her 30 years of experience in oncology, Tena has learned, honed, and mastered her clinical, operational, leadership and teamwork acumen. Her work as an oncology nurse and nurse practitioner in both inpatient and outpatient settings has cultivated a well-rounded perspective on patient care. She has successfully led multiple quality initiatives and practice certifications including Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) with ASCO, CMS Promoting Interoperability, and physician performance initiatives for a hospital-based quality program.

Like many leaders, Tena did not embark on her career with the goal of being a “leader,” rather, she set out simply to make a difference. Tena’s core principle has always been “patients first” and this is the root of her leadership success. The true mettle of a leader may not be seen in normal day to day operations but in crisis. Over the years, Tena has faced crises with poise and grace. As Clinical Operations Director, Tena oversaw the rebuilding of a medical oncology practice following a tragic fire, re-establishing operations within three days. She has led multiple successful negotiations for practice transformations resulting in continued practice growth and expansion of services. Her commitment to quality oncology care led to the development of multiple outpatient care programs including Survivorship, Oncology Triage Clinic, and Palliative Care. The outcome of these positive developments ranged from improved quality of life to reduced hospital admissions for patients.

In 2001, Tena graduated from Duke University School of Nursing with an MSN and an adult medicine nurse practitioner certificate with a sub-specialty in oncology and HIV. She has received multiple awards and honors throughout her career, including the Thelma Ingle Award for Excellence in Clinical Expertise and Scholarly Activities from the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. In 2018, Tena completed the Clinical Leadership Fellowship through CTI Leadership.