Eva Matthews

Background

About Eva Matthews

Grants Management Stewardship High-Performing TeamsThere was a time when I thought I'd be a clinical psychologist; and while I pivoted to obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH), the academic writing, critical thinking, listening, and leadership skills I learned along the way have played an integral role in my career advancement and success.With an undergraduate degree in psychology and a strong interest in tobacco cessation (driven by personal experience), I went to work at Yale University in its psychiatry department to focus on substance use disorder related trials. It was here I found my love of clinical research. Leaving a clinical path behind for a broader public health impact, I sought an MPH at the University of Arizona, where I immediately began to focus on youth tobacco cessation research. I interned with the National Cancer Institute, and returned to the University where I served in a number of roles in a high-performing research team—authoring and co-authoring peer reviewed publications, scholarly presentations, and educational curricula. Along the way, I also completed the coursework for a Ph.D. with the intent of strengthening my knowledge of methodological design, theory, and statistics.Fast forward to 2014, a move to San Diego, and a new job as a grant writer at a large federally qualified health center. I have excelled, earning multiple promotions—now serving as Director of Grants Management, and Executive Director and Research Integrity Officer for a novel, FQHC-embedded research institute.Results include: Grew a high-performing full-cycle grants management team that executes exceptional stewardship practices to ensure future funding. Served in a leadership role in the launch of the Laura Rodriguez Research Institute and served as Executive Director from inception, fostering a growing multi-million dollar portfolio of research grants. Transitioned informal processes to policy-driven, and technology supported solutions to benefit grants acquisition and subaward management.Building vision/concept, programs, processes, and teams are what I do best. Although, I didn’t become a clinician, I am an active listener—especially when contemplating innovative programs and/or the feasibility/acceptability of engaging the organization in new initiatives. I have deep understanding of federal regulation and compliance to support and foster growth. My leadership style is collaborative, supportive, and decisive, and I possess keen instincts and strategies to drive innovation and continuous process improvement.