TOI Taps Tech and Talent Chiefs to Fuel Value-Based Cancer Care Growth

CERRITOS, CA – January 09, 2026 – The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ: TOI), a major force in value-based cancer care, announced a strategic reinforcement of its executive team with the promotions of Rakesh Panda to Chief Information Officer and Nolan Mariano to Chief People Officer. The appointments signal a concerted effort to accelerate its technology-enabled care platform and strengthen its mission-oriented culture as the company continues its rapid expansion.

Founded in 2007, TOI has established itself as a leader in delivering specialized, community-based oncology services. It manages care for approximately 1.9 million patients through a network of over 180 clinicians across more than 100 locations. These leadership changes come at a pivotal moment, underscoring the company's dual focus on technological innovation and human capital as the core drivers of its future in the competitive value-based healthcare landscape.

A Dual Strategy for Market Leadership

The simultaneous elevation of both a technology and a people leader is more than a routine corporate shuffle; it represents a calculated strategy to build a scalable and resilient foundation for growth. In the complex world of value-based care—where providers are compensated based on patient outcomes rather than the volume of services—operational efficiency and a highly engaged clinical workforce are paramount. By investing in a CIO and CPO, TOI is fortifying the two pillars essential for success: the digital infrastructure that powers care delivery and the talented individuals who deliver it.

This move aims to create a synergistic loop where advanced technology empowers clinicians and staff, while a strong culture attracts and retains the top-tier talent needed to leverage that technology effectively. It’s an acknowledgment that scaling high-quality cancer care requires both sophisticated systems and a deeply committed team.

Dr. Daniel Virnich, Chief Executive Officer at TOI, commented on the internal promotions, stating, “I'm extremely pleased to promote two strong internal leaders into key roles at TOI as we continue to experience rapid growth and new ways of driving world-class community-based cancer care for our patients and payor partners.”

Harnessing AI and Data in the Fight Against Cancer

The appointment of Rakesh Panda as CIO places a seasoned technology veteran at the helm of TOI's digital strategy. With over 25 years of experience at industry giants like Cisco and Infosys, Panda is tasked with navigating the intricate nexus of healthcare, technology, and data security. His role is critical as oncology care undergoes a profound digital transformation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day tool in oncology. It is being deployed to analyze vast datasets from electronic medical records (EMRs), summarize clinical notes, and identify patients at high risk, enabling more proactive interventions. AI-powered algorithms can also analyze genomic and molecular data to help oncologists tailor treatment plans with greater precision. For a value-based care organization like TOI, these tools are indispensable for improving outcomes and managing costs.

However, this digital dependency comes with immense responsibility. Panda’s mandate will undoubtedly focus heavily on enterprise-level data privacy and security. Cancer centers are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the highly sensitive nature of patient medical records and genetic profiles. A breach can compromise patient privacy, disrupt care, and erode trust. Implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, including encryption and stringent access controls, is not just a compliance requirement but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity to protect both patients and the organization.

Cultivating the Human Element in High-Growth Healthcare

While technology provides the tools, the delivery of compassionate and effective cancer care remains a deeply human endeavor. Nolan Mariano’s promotion to Chief People Officer highlights TOI's recognition of this fact. With 18 years of experience in People Operations, Mariano steps into her role at a time when the healthcare industry faces a severe human capital crisis.

High rates of burnout, persistent staffing shortages, and employee turnover approaching 30% in some segments plague the sector. These challenges directly impact the quality and consistency of patient care and can derail an organization's growth trajectory. For a rapidly expanding company like TOI, which has grown to over 700 teammates, building a sustainable and supportive work environment is not a luxury but a core business function.

As CPO, Mariano will oversee all facets of human resources, from talent acquisition and retention to learning and development. Her key challenge will be to foster a culture that attracts top clinical and administrative talent and, more importantly, makes them want to stay. This involves implementing competitive compensation, offering meaningful professional development, promoting work-life balance to combat burnout, and reinforcing the mission-driven purpose that draws people to healthcare. In a value-based model, an engaged, stable, and highly skilled workforce is a direct contributor to better patient outcomes and financial success.

Keeping Pace in a Competitive Oncology Landscape

TOI’s leadership restructuring is not happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader trend across the nation’s leading oncology networks, where technology and human resources are seen as indispensable co-pilots for growth. A look at TOI's competitors reveals a similar emphasis on these executive functions.

The US Oncology Network, one of the largest players with over 1.6 million patients treated annually, has an executive team that includes both a VP of Strategy & Operations for Value-Based Care and a Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Similarly, OneOncology, a national partnership of independent practices, has both a Chief Information Officer and a Chief Human Resources Officer on its leadership team to support its partner practices.

Even more pointedly, the American Oncology Network (AON), a high-growth provider launched in 2018, has its Chief Information Officer reporting directly to the CEO, a structure that explicitly frames technology as a primary engine for growth. This industry-wide pattern validates TOI’s strategy, suggesting that a dedicated focus on both digital infrastructure and people management is becoming the standard for any organization aiming to lead in the evolving and demanding field of community cancer care.