Kamara Mertz-Rivera is the Director of Clinical Research at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute since 2015. She is the Administrator for Upstate Carolina NCORP (National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program), a seven year $16 million grant awarded in 2019 to improve community access to clinical trials. She is a member of the SC DEHEC Cancer Control Advisory Committee since 2020. Kamara has worked in clinical research for over 20 years with experience in both academic and community settings. She currently supports a clinical research team of 40+ associates with all aspects of the clinical trial program. 
Kamara is a native from Miami, Florida and received her Masters from the University of Miami in International Health Administration.