Ann K. Adams, J.D. Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

Opus Partners is an independent executive search firm that conducts senior-level searches nationally and internationally for universities, colleges, academic medical centers, foundations, research institutes and nonprofits advancing missions in education, research, patient care, and philanthropy.

Senior Associate Vice President for Research (2020 – 2023)Associate Vice President for Research (2010 – 2020) Associate Vice President for Research Integrity (2008 – 2010)With over 15 years of progressive responsibilities and promotions, joined the Office of Research executive leadership team in 2008. Accountable for strategical planning and operational effectiveness in delivery of outstanding service to research community, and compliance with ethical, regulatory, and legal requirements. Throughout tenure, research funding grew from $400M to $1Bn requiring organizational change to support effective scaling and efficiencies. Portfolio of compliance and operational units included research integrity; human and animal research; conflict of interest; export controls and international compliance; HR; data analytics; finance; IT; DEI; and facilities and planning. Reviewed and signed contracts on behalf of office. Led team of ~80 employees, 8 direct reports, reported to VP Research.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Taught variety of courses on ethics, regulation and research integrity at Feinberg School of Medicine, Pritzker School of Law, and School of Professional Studies.

Worked on broad spectrum of higher education issues, including research administration and compliance and board governance. As principal attorney on major federal civil and criminal investigation involving research activities, developed legal strategy, interfaced with federal investigative teams, and devised corrective action plan. Additional major responsibilities included responding to various requests from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies on investigative matters, acting as university’s Sexual Harassment Response Coordinator, providing legal support to Facilities department, and serving on Policy Steering Committee.

Provided advice to officers, staff, and faculty in diverse areas, including research administration and intellectual property issues, town/gown relations, real estate, zoning, and contracts. Responsible for responding to major federal government investigation into research compliance allegations arising under federal False Claims Act. Acted as principal in-house counsel for $17M land exchange. Managed complex federal litigation, including development of litigation strategy, management of outside counsel, review and approval of pleadings and advice regarding public relations issues.

Washington, D.C. And Chicago

Worked on variety of IP litigation matters, including patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret infringement cases. Responsibilities for patent infringement litigation on behalf of large telecommunications company included managing complex discovery issues, depositions, and discovery motions.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Evaluated and interpreted information to monitor developments and produce written reports. Briefed government officials and other policymakers on current and long-term issues. Researched and wrote in-depth analyses.

J.D.

Bachelor'S Degree, International Relations And Affairs