Board of Directors - Candidates

I am honored to run for President Elect of SRAI. Over the past 20 years, I’ve held diverse roles in research administration—from pre-award at the University of New Mexico to leadership positions at the University of Maryland and now as Assistant VP of Research Operations at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. SRAI has been a cornerstone of my professional journey since 2014. I’ve presented at national and section meetings, served on the Finance Committee, chaired the Investment Committee, Board Secretary and contributed to the DEI Task Force. I’m passionate about helping SRAI navigate the evolving research landscape, including federal policy shifts and the rise of AI. These changes bring challenges and opportunities. I believe SRAI must continue to be a relevant, forward-thinking resource for our members. If elected, I will lead with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to strengthening our community and profession.

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I believe my varied experience and service to SRAI on the Board and Executive Committee, as a Section leader (President and Treasurer), too many committees and working groups to count, have positioned me well to lead as President Elect. SRAI is a volunteer-led international organization with members serving each other. That needs to continue, while still leading and evolving within an ever-changing environment. In my current role, I oversee a variety of research grants and clinical trials from a diverse group of international funding sources, including government, foundations and a large variety of global industry funders.

I see the future of SRAI as meeting significant challenges from a position of strength and adapting through the latest technology. I want to see SRAI reducing international borders even further than we already have and being even more relevant than we already are to the profession of research administration around the world.

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I have over 22 years of experience in research administration ranging from Pre to Post and everything in-between and has been active in SRAI since 2009. Currently serving as a second-year mentor to the Odyssey Program to two mentees, while serving on the Development and Finance Committee for the International Board. Previously served in various capacities such as Chair of the International Bylaws Committee, President, Secretary and Treasurer in the Midwest Section as well as on the Chapter level for Ohio. Last year, I was reappointed for a three-year term as an SRAI Distinguished Faculty member providing mentorship, educational opportunities, authoring and speaking engagements to not only the SRAI research community but to other various research institutions on several topics such as clinical trial management, research leadership, process improvement and behavioral change management in a research administrative setting.

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I am honored to be the Treasurer for the Society of Researchers International (SRAI). I bring almost 25 years of central and departmental research administration experience to SRAI’s Board.

I began my leadership role with SRAI in 2014 as the Northeast Section President, served on the Board of Directors and was elected Treasurer in 2019. I am a proud Distinguished Faculty Member and regular presenter at SRAI Meetings. I am delighted by SRAI’s navigation of the current and potential financial challenges. SRAI continues to build new programs and expanded access while maintaining a strong fiscal footprint.

I am running for re-election to entrench our successes, learn from our challenges, and maintain the organization’s fiscal health. The foundation we are building today will foster future growth of our profession and help SRAI continue its standard of excellence and history of cutting-edge innovation, domestically and worldwide.

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The profession of Research Administration is indispensable for the global research mission; its value is increasingly recognized. I am extremely proud to have served in various roles in the research administration field over the past 25+ years.

Collaborating with SRAI’s Board of Directors and Section leadership, I want to explore ways to enhance our communication and networking opportunities. With existing and future educational resources within SRAI and our collective support as peers, we are empowered to thrive as we adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, including advancements in AI and new management systems.

As skilled and committed professionals, we stand strong together. This reinforces our unity as a community dedicated to conducting ethical research within the established regulatory framework. I welcome the opportunity to advocate for our members as a member of the Board of Directors. It would be my privilege to work with you on this critical journey together.

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Dr. Sam Mombou is a nationally recognized research administration leader with over a decade of experience advancing sponsored programs, compliance infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration in higher education and global research environments. A Certified Research Administrator, Dr. Mombou has successfully led large-scale research operations, driven enterprise-wide process improvements, and mentored professionals at all levels.

He is running for the SRAI Board of Directors to help shape a future where research administrators are empowered, well-resourced, and equipped to lead through innovation and change. Dr. Mombou envisions SRAI as an inclusive, agile, and globally connected organization—one that champions professional development, policy engagement, and equitable pathways to leadership. With a passion for capacity-building and a deep commitment to service, he is dedicated to ensuring that SRAI continues to thrive as the premier association for research administration professionals worldwide.

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I am honored to be considered for the At-Large Board Member position. I feel grateful every day to contribute to research as I believe my work and effort contributes to science and innovation and creates lasting impact in the world. As an SRAI member, I have mentored rising professionals, built tools that solve real problems, and shared knowledge across institutions. Technically, I bring experience in strategic planning, research leadership, and all areas of research administration. Emotionally, I bring energy, optimism and a deep commitment to this profession. If elected, I will work hard to amplify voices within our diverse community. I will also do my best to continue to elevate and promote the work we do, and champion the value of research and research administration. I would be grateful and humbled to represent the passion, talent, and purpose that define our field. Thank you for your consideration.

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My name is Debra Sokalczuk, and I am running for At-Large Board Member for the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). I decided to run for the board as the next step in my career with SRAI. I have seen SRAI grow over the last 15-plus years, and I would like to help SRAI move forward in this ever-changing environment. It takes a network to keep current in research administration. I am the Proposal Award Coordinator in the Office of Research and Outreach (ORO) at the Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg campus. I have been associated with SRAI since 2008. I am currently the Immediate Past President of the Northeast Section. I have presented sessions at meetings, served on committees, was a former Treasurer for the section and chapter, and was a past Chapter President. I enjoy camping with my husband and two dogs when not working or volunteering.

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