Kelly Evans has over 20 years’ experience in research administration at Harvard University. As the Senior Director of Pre-Award Services in the Office of Research Administration (ORA) at Harvard Medical School, Kelly oversees two teams of high-performing individuals. The Pre-Award team is responsible for the review, revision, authorization, and submission of a large volume of proposals, progress reports, and other sponsor-required information on behalf of the University. The Research Administration Support Services team provides short-term coverage for department grants manager vacancies, burst capacity assistance during peak volume periods, and hiring and onboarding assistance upon request.
Kelly provides strategic guidance within the ORA leadership team to ensure a research administration infrastructure at HMS that is proactive, nimble, and responsive to change. She is particularly engaged with improving operational efficiencies in both ORA and the HMS research community, and in building collaborative relationships internally and across the University. Kelly acts as a key liaison to colleagues in Central Administration, advocating on behalf of HMS to develop and implement policy changes, system enhancements, and process improvements. In addition, Kelly partners with HMS leadership across research departments and central administrative offices to develop and communicate policy, regulatory compliance, and best practices.
Kelly holds a master’s degree in Sociology from Northeastern University and a Lean Green Belt certificate.