Jeff Cheek Email & Phone Number

Albany, Ny, Us

Here, I successfully performed in a pivotal C-Suite executive role reporting directly to the Board of Directors of the largest, most comprehensive university-connected research foundation in the nation. Additionally, I led the strategic direction, provided solutions to numerous challenges, and acted as a change agent advancing the organization.The SUNY Research Foundation was selected as one of the Albany Capital Region's Top Workplaces in 2024 (Albany TimesUnion)➥Spearheaded the $850M investment portfolio including the Voluntary Employees’ Benefits Association Plan (VEBA).➥Propelled continuous improvement such as leading a total restructuring of the cost allocation model generating $26M in cost savings. ➥Led the development of a foundational venture fund, “SUNY Ventures”, supporting the goal of securing venture capital funds to drive startups and deliver returns for investors.➥Partnered with pivotal stakeholders such as SUNY, NYS Empire State Development, and an underwriter in the development of a world-class financial strategy to refinance over $300M in debt and free up capital.

Raleigh, North Carolina, Us

I functioned as a senior administrative official reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development. Additionally, I oversaw sponsored programs, research compliance, technology enhancements, and standardization across the organizational operations.➥Performed as a pivotal member on numerous executive advisory councils and committees, the exclusive point of contact for the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), and multiple national organizations championing research administration.➥Served as the Research Integrity Officer, signatory authority for all sponsored programs and administration, and the official of the Federal-Wide Assurance for the Human Research Protection Program.

Seattle, Wa, Us

I spearheaded the transformation of an underachieving division into a prosperous human subjects protection program. Additionally, I oversaw $1.5B in research funding, over 7K projects every year, and ensured compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines.➥Acted as the primary lead for the UW Office of Research overseeing financial management, research, and compliance issues related to research.➥Served as the executive member of the Management Group spearheading security requirements for classified research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

Denver, Colorado, Us

Overview of duties included the promotion of research across the University of Colorado three-campus system, with emphasis on regulatory compliance and multi-campus and interdisciplinary initiatives. Also responsible for oversight of systemwide policy and programmatic initiatives related to educational technologies and learning innovations, including supervision of the work of the Director of Learning Innovations and Technology. Direct responsibilities related to: (a) the development and implementation of University policies and procedures related to the conduct of research within the CU system; (b) the development of cross-campus teaching and research initiatives to strengthen academic excellence; (c) assessment programs to evaluate the success of academic programs and educational technologies; and, (d) leading outreach efforts to both internal and external groups.

Primary responsibilities included oversight for state program funded by tobacco settlement dollars, with approximately 50 grants totaling $16 million. Established formal policies and procedures for grant applicants and recipients. Held sole responsibility for purchase and implementation of an electronic proposal tracking and grant administration database. Coordinated annual cycles of proposal review and award administration. Worked with the Scientific Advisory Committee, and by leveraging support with the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership, implemented two novel award mechanisms not offered by federal agencies. Represented the Program in strategic coalitions such as the Colorado Tobacco Education and Prevention Alliance (CTEPA), and served as a co-chair on the National Organization of Tobacco Use Research Funders (NOTURF).

Responsibilities included primary oversight for approximately 120 grants (totaling roughly $45 million) in diverse biomedical sciences. Coordinated annual peer review process for 4 study sections (Pulmonary Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer, and General Biomedical Sciences). Served as liaison between Scientific Advisory Committee and study sections. Played key roles in programmatic policy development and implementation regarding scientific outreach and public education efforts. Principal author and editor for triennial Program newsletter.

Davis, California, Us

Research interests focused on design of in vitro models to study physiological effects of oxidant air pollutants and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on pulmonary epithelial cells. Developed novel exposure system used to assess pulmonary oxidant injury attributable to ambient air pollutants. Established collaborations with researchers in the Depts. of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology on lung toxicity of oxidized lipids, leading to the discovery of novel arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolites and their effects on alveolar epithelial function. Launched similar collaborations at Louisiana State University and UTMB-Galveston for projects focused on health effects of oxidant air pollutants. Supervised two research technicians and eight undergraduate students.

Davis, California, Us

New York, Ny, Us

B.S., Chemistry

Ph.D., Public Health

M.S.P.H., Public Health