NORMAN J. GOCO

Dynamic Program Director at RTI International with expertise in strategic leadership and program management. Proven track record in enhancing public health outcomes through implementation research and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in budget management and fostering high-performing teams, driving impactful initiatives that address health disparities and strengthen health systems.

• Dashboard Design – Depict Data Studio, 2025
• LEAD Inspire, 2024
• Good Clinical Practice Fundamentals, 2008
• Capture the Flag: Best Practices in Capture Planning, 2008
• Leadership Development for Program Managers/Directors, 2006
• Guide to Project Management, 2001

• Executive Board Member and Executive Committee Member and Secretary, Triangle Global Health Consortium, 2017 to 2022
• Manuscript reviewer, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2015 to Present
• Manuscript reviewer, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2007 to Present
• Manuscript reviewer, Clinical Trials: Journal of the Society for Clinical Trials, 2009 to Present
• Global Health Council Abstract Review Committee, 2006 to 2009

• Aspirin delays the onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among nulliparous pregnant women: A secondary analysis of the ASPIRIN trial., BJOG, 11/01/23, 10.1111/1471-0528.17607
• Data usefulness in determining cause of stillbirth in South Asia., BJOG, 11/01/23, 10.1111/1471-0528.17592
• The impact of risk factors on aspirin's efficacy for the prevention of preterm birth., Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM, 10/01/23, 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101095
• Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling Surveillance Alliance—Facilitating the expansion of pathology-based mortality surveillance., Clinical Infectious Diseases, 01/01/21
• Cost evaluation of minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) implementation in low- and middle-income countries., Clinical Infectious Diseases, 01/01/21
• Building global capacity to conduct pathology-based postmortem examination: Establishing a new training hub for minimally invasive tissue sampling., Clinical Infectious Diseases, 01/01/21
• Safety of daily low-dose aspirin use during pregnancy in low-income and middle-income countries., AJOG global reports, 01/01/21
• Institutional deliveries and stillbirth and neonatal mortality in the Global Network's Maternal and Newborn Health Registry., Reproductive Health, 01/01/20

Spanish, fluent

• Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) Surveillance Alliance Secretariat, 01/01/17, Present, Led a multi-country initiative to improve mortality surveillance programs in Africa and South Asia., Led a multi-disciplinary team, oversaw implementation of surveillance sites, led data standardization and capacity building, and secured $6 million in funding., This project demonstrates experience in program development and implementation, stakeholder collaboration (including with government agencies), grant management, data-driven decision-making, and capacity building. These skills are highly relevant to foundation work focused on improving youth behavioral health by strengthening community systems, promoting evidence-based practices, and managing grants to local organizations.
• WHO Possible Bacterial Severe Infection Trial – Data Management Center, 01/01/20, 12/31/24, Led a multi-country clinical trial conducted in 7 sites and 6 countries., Led a team in clinical data management and clinical monitoring, and managed project reporting and finances for this $1.2 million project., This project demonstrates experience in managing complex projects, ensuring data quality and compliance, and overseeing budgets. These skills are applicable to managing foundation initiatives, monitoring grantee performance, and ensuring responsible use of funds.
• NICHD Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research, 01/01/01, Present, Led research proposal development and oversaw protocol implementation for studies focused on maternal and child health interventions., Led research proposal development, reviewed protocols, ensured study design soundness, and monitored protocol implementation and data collection., This project demonstrates experience in research and evaluation, protocol development, data management, and capacity building. These skills are valuable for a foundation in assessing the effectiveness of programs and promoting evidence-based approaches to youth behavioral health.

Strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of complex public health programs., Development of cross-department or cross-sector initiatives., Stakeholder engagement and partnership development with government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and the private sector., Subject matter expertise in implementation research and health systems strengthening., Management of grant portfolios, including funding opportunities, grant review, and award processes., Program management and oversight, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables., Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program impact., Capacity building, thought partnership, and resource connection for grantees., Budget management, financial performance monitoring, and compliance with donor regulations., Building and leveraging cross-sector relationships to advance solutions., Collaboration with internal and external partners on communications and convenings., Representation of organizations at community events and conferences., Management and development of high-performing teams, providing guidance and mentorship., Project planning, implementation, and tracking., Strong communication and storytelling skills., Excellent PowerPoint and Excel skills., Outstanding judgment and independent decision-making., Data analysis and interpretation.