Harris Named Executive Director of Center for Clinical and Translational Science

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 13) — Gabe Harris has been named the executive director of the University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

Harris previously served as the associate director for financial management at the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine. He brings to the CCTS more than nine years of experience in research and higher education administration, including contract negotiations, strategic planning, finance and budgeting, research and government compliance and service operations.

As executive director of the CCTS, he will provide financial leadership for the implementation of strategic directions in the comprehensive and integrated approach to clinical and translational research. He will also serve as CCTS chief of staff, leading special projects and providing support to director Dr. Philip A. Kern and associate directors.

"What peaked my interest the most about this opportunity is the collaborative nature of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards, which support the CCTS. I feel that translational science is at the forefront of medical research, and there's a return on investment that is very healthy at the CCTS," Harris said. "At UK I see a lot of energy towards research, a lot of enthusiasm to grow the research mission on both the clinical and academic side. The CCTS is a catalyst for research in translational science and fosters collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches.”

In addition to his role as associate director of financial management at IU's department of medicine, Harris’ previous experience at IU includes service as nephrology’s division administrator at the IU School of Medicine and as a contract officer for the Office of Research Administration. Prior to IU, he served in a variety of positions with Raymond James Financial as well as the Indiana Legislature, and also served as a United States Marine.

Harris holds a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Indiana University and certificates in research administration and pre-award research administration from the Research Administrators Certification Council.

Harris joins the CCTS as Jane Serumgard Lowe, PhD, retires from her position as assistant provost and administrative director of the center. Lowe has served in this role since 2007 and has been integral to the evolution of the CCTS. She previously served as assistant dean for graduate education and administration and director of the integrated biomedical sciences program in the UK College of Medicine. Her retirement will be effective March 31, 2017.

"Working with so many talented faculty, staff and students to build the CCTS has been a remarkable privilege for me.  As I plan for retirement, I am delighted that we have identified in Gabe Harris an executive director with the qualifications needed to ensure continued CCTS support for innovative research along the entire translational spectrum,” said Lowe.

“Replacing Dr. Jane Lowe in the role of the administrative leader of the CCTS is no small task, as Jane has excelled as someone who can deal with all aspects of Center administration and also contribute tremendous insight into NIH policies and grant submissions," said Kern. "Although it is impossible to precisely duplicate Dr. Lowe, we are extremely happy to welcome Gabe Harris into our CCTS family.  Gabe has excelled as an administrative leader at Indiana University in the Department of Medicine and will bring both his considerable talents as well as new insights to our program."

Media Contact: Mallory Powell, Mallory.powell@uky.edu