I believe I will be an excellent At-Large Board Member for SRAI because I bring a combination of deep operational experience, visionary leadership, and long-term commitment to the Society.
To begin, I understand the full research administration lifecycle. For example, at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSCH), I helped launch the Intellectual Property office, oversaw all pre-proposal services, and led faculty training and education. At Temple University, I have managed the process from proposal submission through award closeout and have been actively involved in large-scale, institution-level proposals during a period when Temple advanced to Tier 1 status. This breadth of experience – from pre-award to post-award, from health sciences to a large research university – positions me to represent the needs and perspectives of a wide range of SRAI members.
Additionally, I am a proven educator and mentor, which aligns directly with SRAI’s core mission of professional development. I’ve led sessions on leadership, practical grant-getting strategies, and general research administration at both major research universities and predominately undergraduate institutions. My teachings intentionally demystifies the process for faculty and emerging research administrators, helping them better identify funding opportunities, prepare competitive proposals, and manage awards effectively. As an At-Large Board Member, I will bring this same pragmatic, inclusive approach to Society-wide initiatives and member support.
Moreover, my record of service to SRAI is extensive. A member since 1994, I have:
- Served as Secretary of the Delaware Valley Chapter
- Presented at numerous chapter, section, and annual meetings
- Chaired the Engagement and Connection Committee since 2023 (formerly the Diversity, Engagement and Inclusion committee), where I’ve focused on adapting programming to the changing needs and demographics of the membership
- Served on the Governance Committee since 2024, actively reviewing and updating Society policies
- Served as faculty for the SRAI Basics of Research Administration program since 2024, helping build the pipeline of future research administrators
This combination of governance experience, committee leadership, and hands-on program delivery means I already understand SRAI’s structure, priorities, and challenges. I have demonstrated ability to collaborate across committees, represent diverse viewpoints, and translate strategic goals into tangible programs.
Finally, my career shows consistent emphasis on inclusion, clarity, and practical solutions. Whether I am helping a new administrator understand the fundamentals or supporting complex institutional proposals, I focus on accessible, “common sense” approaches. As an At-Large Board Member, I will be well positioned to:
- Advocate for programming that serves both seasoned professionals and those new to the field
- Help SRAI respond thoughtfully to the evolving research administration landscape
- Strengthen member engagement across sections and career stages
As SRAI looks toward the future, I believe the Society is uniquely positioned to help shape the next generation of research administration leadership and innovators. The rapidly evolving federal funding and regulatory landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for our profession. In response, SRAI has an important role in supporting its members as innovators, strategic thinkers, and leaders who will define the future of research administration over the next several decades.
One of SRAI’s greatest strengths is the diversity and breadth of its membership. The Society has expanded its reach to include professionals from a wide range of institutions, organizations, and international communities. This diversity of perspectives, experiences, and expertise fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. As our membership continues to grow and evolve, so too will the opportunities for new partnerships, emerging technologies, and transformative approaches to research administration.
As an At-Large Board Member, I will actively support initiatives that encourage member engagement, inclusion, professional growth, and cross-sector collaboration. I am committed to helping ensure that SRAI remains a forward-thinking organization that empowers its members to lead the future of the profession.