Arturo Rodriguez Email and Phone Number

Lead and manage all aspects of COPD research for the COPD Foundation. Develop and execute the research strategy, oversee a team of researchers, manage budgets and grants, conduct data analysis, and collaborate with external partners. Responsible for growing the research portfolio, securing funding, and ensuring the highest quality of research in support of the mission of the Foundation.

Successfully managed a rapidly increasing operating budget by implementing innovative financial strategies, resulting in cost containment of 12%, resulting in better strategic financial decision making.Managed investment funds and operations aimed at the implementation of several fully online degree programs, including Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Master of Science in Disaster Resilience (MS), and three certificate programs.Upgraded technology to include smart classrooms capable of delivering lectures via webcams, digital signage, and flat screen monitors in hallways and main lobby area showing dynamic content.Led the digital marketing strategy (a $4MM effort) in conjunction with a national digital marketing firm.

Authored and executed initial business plans for new school initiatives and expansion into the Los Angeles area market.Negotiated the CGU’s Facilities and Administrative rate with HHS from 32.3% to 45.46%.Refinanced existing bonds resulting in a lowered interest rate, allowing saved funds to be reinvested in university initiatives.Led the implementation of Workday© accounting system as well as additional modules (grants and purchasing).Created and implemented the CGU’s first Enterprise Risk Management Program.Led the multi-year strategic financial planning for the university and ensured the budget supports the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.Staffed Board of Trustee committees on 1) audit; 2) business and finance; and 3) facilities and infrastructure; and 4) investments.

Provided senior administrative leadership and stewardship for all fiscal and research operational affairs, including budgeting and expenditure control for all awarded projects (approx. $40 million).Managed 150,000 square feet of research space, inclusive of external space leasing for large research projects.Managed affiliation agreements with hospitals and other healthcare providers.Strengthened/reinvested in the research administration infrastructure by growing the research team to five grant managers, each with a specific portfolio of projects.Authored and executed the College of Health and Urban Affairs’ strategic research plan, which led to increases in funded awards, up to 10% directly attributable to our efforts year over year.Implemented the College’s first time and effort certification system, which served as a model for a University-wide effort reporting system.

Managed administration of a grants and contracts portfolio, inclusive of budgeting and expenditure controls for over $20 million in awarded projects.Provided thought leadership on policy and procedures that enhanced research administration supporting the overall mission and goals of the School.Streamlined departmental processes for budget preparation, grant submission, and closeouts, leading to significant increases in proposal submissions, faster closeouts and satisfied faculty and administrators.Paved the way for increased proposal submission by establishing a research-centered administrative office aimed at quickly and efficiently managing concerns and maintaining good working relationships with faculty.Managed the annual budget process for research related accounts, analyzed projections to assure sustainability of projects and assisted in the cash flow management of the school.