An effective leader with extensive expertise in the oversight of multiple concurrent grants, Kerri Connolly joins Advance Rhode Island-Clinical and Translational Research (Advance RI-CTR) as Administrative Director in Year 8 of the program, effective April 16th, 2024. Many thanks to Emily Mercer, Award Cores Project Manager, for her capable handling of the Interim Administrative Director role.

Connolly will work closely with Program Director, Sharon Rounds, MD, and Program Coordinator, Edward Hawrot, PhD, to lead the Administrative Core of Advance RI-CTR, which aims to develop infrastructure for clinical and translational research in the state of Rhode Island. Based at Brown University, the program is a state-wide research consortium consisting of Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Lifespan, Care New England, the VA Providence Health Care System and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. It is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U54GM115677) and by institutional support from consortium partners.

Most recently, Kerri Connolly served as Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, where she was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Eat Well Be Well Rewards Program, and the development of the Nourish Rhode Island food access coalition comprising 30 community organizations. Her interest in food security began during her service in the Peace Corps, along with a focus on working with scholars that are underrepresented in the sciences. A seasoned community organizer, Kerri explains, “I am passionate about bringing science to the community in a tangible and equitable way. [The position with] Advance RI-CTR hit the nail on the head in that respect.”

“Rhode Island is the ‘Pilot State’ – bring your projects here,” continued Connolly. “Rhode Island has a human scale. That makes it possible to move the needle on public health issues. There are many nonprofits doing cool work, and also amazing researchers at Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, and the affiliated hospital systems. However there’s a disconnect — RFAs are asking for community engagement plans, and at the same time, a nonprofit is not in the position to get a $2M R01 grant. How to build the bridge between the two so that the research funding benefits the community that is the setting for the research, is the piece I keep in the back of my mind as I show up each day.”

Kerri’s dedication to advancing public health, coupled with her extensive experience in grant writing and oversight, strategic planning, and community engagement, position her well to meet the needs of Advance RI-CTR. Her commitment to bringing science to communities in a tangible and equitable manner aligns perfectly with the critical role of clinical and translational research in addressing complex health challenges, fostering innovation, and ultimately improving the well-being of individuals and communities. We look forward to her leadership, particularly as we enter the strategic planning process for our grant renewal application. Please join us in extending a warm welcome.