Julie Chappell Brabbs died May 21, 2025, at the age of 58. Revered by colleagues for her authenticity, openness, and visionary and inspiring leadership, Julie joined the Rogel Cancer Center as chief administrative officer in 2016. Previously, she served as administrator for the Division of Hematology/Oncology within the Department of Internal Medicine at Michigan Medicine.

Julie received a bachelor’s degree at Miami University in Ohio and a master’s in business administration from Eastern Michigan University. She began her career at Pfizer before spending 17 years at the University of Michigan.

Julie was pivotal in shaping cancer administration both at Rogel and on a national level. She served an essential role in the successful renewals of two National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grants. In the center’s 2022 review, Rogel’s administrative component, under her direction, received an exceptional rating — the highest possible.

As CAO, Julie oversaw and unified multiple Rogel programs, including research administration, finance, communications, community outreach, education, shared resources, patient and family support services, and clinical research administration. She also provided mentorship and unique opportunities to up-and-coming administrative leaders, including implementing an eight-month mentorship-driven Developing Leaders program designed to develop effective, compassionate, emotionally intelligent servant leaders across the cancer program.

Nationally, Julie served on the board of directors for the Association for Cancer Center Administrators and played a key role in transitioning that organization from an informal group to an incorporated, national organization. She brought the group’s annual meeting virtually to Ann Arbor in 2021, stepping up to execute a top-notch program and experience during the pandemic. She was recognized by her peers in 2022 for her exceptional leadership in this space. In addition, Julie served on numerous Michigan Medicine, university and statewide committees and boards.

In her personal life, Julie was passionate and devoted to her family, including her husband, Steve, and her children, Stuart and Lucy. She traveled frequently, including annual trips to Sanibel Island in Florida and to Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.

Julie’s creativity manifested in many forms of artwork, including jewelry making, quilting and many sewing projects. 

Julie is survived by her husband, Stephen “Steve” W. Brabbs; her children, Stuart T. Brabbs (Penny Yang), and Lucy J. Brabbs; father Thomas “Tom” E. Chapell; brother Charles “Charlie” E. Chapell (Karen); and numerous nephews and nieces of the Brabbs and Chapell families.

A celebration of Julie’s life will take place May 29 at the First United Methodist Church, 120 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to noon and service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to 2025 Swim Across America Motor City Mile, supporting the Rogel Cancer Center, or the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.

— Submitted by the Rogel Cancer Center