Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Statement
Systems And Tools
Professional Affiliations And Honors
Timeline
BusinessAnalyst
Stephanie Stafford Ford

Stephanie Stafford Ford

Clinical Research Administrator
Vestavia Hills,AL

Summary

Versatile and accomplished clinical research administrator with over 20 years of progressive leadership in academic medicine, specializing in the strategic direction and operational management of large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs. Demonstrated success in stewarding NIH- and PCORI-funded centers, overseeing research infrastructure, and fostering faculty and institutional collaborations. Currently serving as Center Administrator for the NIAMS-funded P30 BIGDATA Center and the UAB Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone, and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC). Chair-elect of the UAB Council of Center and Institute Administrators. Now pursuing the UAB Collat School of Business MBA to expand administrative expertise and prepare for senior leadership roles with broader institutional impact beyond the research enterprise.

Work History

Manager, Clinical Research Administration

UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
01.2023 - Current
  • Lead administrative operations for major NIH-funded research centers, including BIGDATA P30
  • Manage programmatic, regulatory, and budgetary functions
  • Coordinate symposia, advisory committees, and institutional reporting
  • Chair-elect, Council of Center and Institute Administrators

Director, Clinical Research Administration

UAB Department of Neurology
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Directed department-wide research infrastructure and compliance
  • Supervised personnel and led research expansion

Manager / Program Director / Program Manager

UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
01.2006 - 01.2021
  • Managed NIH and PCORI-funded studies
  • Supervised research staff and coordinated multi-site activities

Research Technician

UAB Division of Rheumatology
01.2004 - 01.2005

Manager, Wellness Services

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
01.2005 - 01.2006

Consultant

Brookwood Medical Center
01.2006

Lab Manager / Research Assistant II

UAB Department of Pathology
01.1992 - 01.1994

Lab Manager / Research Assistant I

UAB Pediatrics, Clinical Virology
01.1990 - 01.1992

Education

Master of Science - Zoology

Auburn University
01.1991

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Auburn University
01.1987

Skills

Clinical Research Administration

Grant & Contract Management

Budget Oversight

Regulatory Compliance

Strategic Program Planning

Scientific Writing

Staff Supervision

Stakeholder Coordination

Event & Advisory Meeting Planning

Project Management

Coaching and mentoring

Teamwork and collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Team development

Hiring and training

Professional Statement

I am pursuing the UAB Collat School of Business MBA to expand my leadership capacity beyond research administration and prepare for broader roles across academic medicine and the health system. With over two decades of experience directing NIH- and foundation-funded programs, I bring deep expertise in clinical research operations, financial oversight, and strategic collaboration. The MBA will strengthen my skills in organizational development and business management—equipping me to lead institutional initiatives that integrate clinical, research, and operational priorities.

Systems And Tools

Microsoft Office Suite, CANVA, Adobe, OnCore, REDCap, Cerner IMPACT, Greenphire ClinCard, NIH ASSIST, eRA Commons, IRAP, Oracle, BA, Microsoft Teams, Zoom

Professional Affiliations And Honors

  • Chair-elect, Council of Center and Institute Administrators, UAB
  • UAB Leadership DOM Fellow, 2019-2020
  • Project Corporate Leadership, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, 2005-2006
  • Executive Women International, 2006-2008
  • YMCA Teen Values Conference Volunteer, 2007-2023
  • St. Vincent’s Mission and Mentoring Program, 2005
  • Sigma Xi and Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Societies

Timeline

Manager, Clinical Research Administration

UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
01.2023 - Current

Director, Clinical Research Administration

UAB Department of Neurology
01.2021 - 01.2023

Manager / Program Director / Program Manager

UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
01.2006 - 01.2021

Consultant

Brookwood Medical Center
01.2006

Manager, Wellness Services

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
01.2005 - 01.2006

Research Technician

UAB Division of Rheumatology
01.2004 - 01.2005

Lab Manager / Research Assistant II

UAB Department of Pathology
01.1992 - 01.1994

Lab Manager / Research Assistant I

UAB Pediatrics, Clinical Virology
01.1990 - 01.1992

Master of Science - Zoology

Auburn University

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Auburn University
Stephanie Stafford FordClinical Research Administrator