 Grant/Contract Portfolios: More than twenty-four years of financial oversight in managing post-award aspects of grant/contract portfolios. Highly skilled at building and sustaining relationships with federal agencies and foundations, possessed direct experience with the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, Spencer Foundation, W.T. Grant Foundation, and Dollar General Corporation. Consistently ensured grant spending controls were in place to maintain compliance with funding, and ensured all progress and final reports were prepared in a timely and accurate manner. Financial Acumen: Oversight for developing and managing multi-million dollar operating budgets while consistently delivering favorable budget results. Implemented annualized cost containment initiatives such as elimination of positions ($150K fully loaded), conversion to PDF formats of documents to reduce paper and print expenses ($20K), and strict adherence to research fund timelines that resulted in $20K returned to the Peabody Dean’s Office.  Operational Excellence: Translated and effectively communicated objectives into business and tactical plans resulting in scalable and replicable processes, enhanced staff learning and performance structure, and demonstrated the ability to leverage existing or new system functionality to gain efficiencies.  Continuous Quality Improvement: As the key business owner and change agent for multiple departmental activities, successfully applied extensive knowledge of organizational structure to align with new strategies and initiatives. Selected as one of ten Administrative Officers to pilot the One Card/Procurement System; then subsequently designated by University Internal Audit to train and mentor other Administrative Officers. Communication Skills: Designed, implemented, and updated staff development tools and resources for enhanced performance and skills acquisition leading to more efficient operations and high employee engagement.

Managed all administrative and budget related duties, including grant budget preparation with expenditures in excess of $1M. Prepared speech documents, information, and briefings; scheduled conferences; coordinated special projects/events and meetings. Coordinated and facilitated the Center’s activities. Managed the Center's calendars and maintained the Center's reference library.

Had administrative, payroll, and budget responsibilities. Managed expenditures in excess of $4M. Demonstrated the ability to interact, train, and develop a staff of 4 by effectively utilizing skills, presenting well-defined goals, and executing staff development plans. Had oversight for maintaining personnel records for 120+ staff members, and assisted the Director with administrative and human resources affairs. Had responsibility for the development and management of performance goals and standards and prepared standard operating procedure manuals for clerical and union staff members to enhance operational effectiveness. Developed positive working relationships as the primary contact between the Director and other Vanderbilt department leaders and Nashville community leaders.