Board of Directors - Candidates

I have been involved in research administration at many different levels over the past 30 years, ranging from departmental administration to central administration, working my way up from Grants Management Specialist to Senor Director within higher education, to my current position of Vice President of Grants and Compliance at a private non-profit company. I can say unequivocally and without hesitation that I would never have been able to make these career advancements had it not been for my involvement with SRAI where I not only learned the profession but developed an invaluable network of colleagues across the world. Serving on the Board of Directors will provide me with the opportunity to pay it forward, as my mentors did, while allowing me to be part of shaping the Society for current and future research administrators as the profession continues to grow and evolve. 

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Pamela Montgomery is an Assistant Director of Finance and Administration at Duke University, overseeing business and grant administrative processes. She has also worked as an Adjunct Instructor. With over 20 years of experience in instructorship, research administration, financial management, human resources, and compliance, Pamela brings extensive expertise to her roles.

Pamela holds a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from USC – Coastal Carolina University. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate, pursuing a Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change.

Pamela leads research workshops across the state and internationally. She holds various research certifications, serves on the Administrative Women's Network executive board, and has been a United Way Ambassador.

An active member of the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) since 1999, Pamela has served as the Southern Section President, served on the SRAI Award Subcommittee, and is also a past President of the North Carolina Chapter. She received the North Carolina Chapter President’s Award in 2014 and 2018. Pamela is known for her support of new members and her organizational and leadership skills.

Pamela is running for the At-Large Board Members position to leverage her extensive experience and leadership skills to contribute to the continued growth and success of SRAI. She envisions a future where SRAI continues to expand its reach, continue to enhance its professional development programs, and foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all members. With her knowledge, experience, abilities, and leadership skills, Pamela is committed to helping SRAI achieve these goals and ensuring its members are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of research administration.

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My decision to run for the SRAI Board of Directors stems from gratitude and a commitment to advancing research administration. It is also my way of giving back to an organization that has played a pivotal role throughout my career. SRAI has been a guiding compass throughout my three-decade career, providing knowledge and keeping me informed about evolving trends.

Looking ahead, I see both challenges and opportunities. Research security, financial compliance, and reporting demand our attention. Federal audits loom, and we must navigate these waters collectively. Virtual learning has become integral. SRAI’s embrace of virtual trainings and conferences widens our reach, connecting us across borders. Let’s harness this momentum, leveraging technology to disseminate knowledge, and strengthen our community.

I am ready to serve on the SRAI Board, embracing change and steering research administration towards a future where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrive.

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I believe my varied experience and service to SRAI as Section leader (Treasurer and President), service on too many committees and working groups to count, and prior service on the Board, have positioned me well to represent the varied interests of SRAI members. SRAI is a volunteer-led organization with members serving each other. That needs to continue, while still leading and evolving within an ever-changing environment. Whether it’s the changes to Uniform Guidance or artificial intelligence, SRAI needs to lead and educate members in a transparent way.

As the Senior Business Director at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, I oversee a variety of research grants and clinical trials from a diverse group of funding agencies, including the NIH, DoD, FDA, PCORI, the State of Ohio, numerous foundations and a large variety of drug companies. In addition, I have the perspective and leadership from serving on the boards for five different non-profits. 

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Jennifer Woodward brings over 25 years of progressive leadership in research administration to her re-election for the SRAI Board of Directors. Currently Vice Chancellor for Sponsored Programs and Research Operations at the University of Pittsburgh, Jennifer provides strategic direction for research operations and the Office of Sponsored Programs. Her dual appointment as Professor of Surgery and Immunology enriches her perspectives and contributions on the Board.

Jennifer participates in SRAI's mission through key initiatives, co-chairing the Education and Professional Development Committee, and contributing to the Strategic Plan, PI Intensive, and Career Framework Task Force. She leads an NSF GRANTED Conference Award aimed at establishing a national job classification system for research administrators, collaborating closely with SRAI.

Jennifer's SRAI vision centers on inclusivity, innovation, and continuous learning. She is committed to expanding educational offerings, advocating for the professional development of research administrators worldwide, and responding to the evolving needs of SRAI members.

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