Tracy Waldeck
Potomac
Summary
Dynamic leader with demonstrated success in overseeing all aspects scientific research with strong project management and decision-making skills. Brings comprehensive knowledge of government policies related to scientific grant and research and development contracts. Strategic thinker experienced in transforming underperforming organizations into top producers. Possesses an engaging and pleasant personality with expertise in enhancing customer relationships. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leadership, and motivation. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring, and morale-building abilities to boost employee engagement and performance. Known for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals. Capable of working under pressure and adapting to new challenges to enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Mental Health
05.2021 - 04.2025
- Provided expert leadership and oversight for all aspects of the NIMH extramural grant portfolio, including policy development, peer review, and grants management
- Served as the primary advisor to the NIMH Director, Deputy Director and Leadership Team on all matters related to grants administration, NIH policy implementation, and programmatic oversight
- Served as the co-chair of the NIH Extramural Program Management Committee, collaborating closely with the NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research
- Responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of extramural research programs and policies within the NIMH and at the NIH level
- Responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic vision and adapting that vision to meet the needs of the changing environment within the division, the institute, and the agency
- Oversaw all grants management activities for the NIMH $2.3B grant portfolio
- Served as the primary point of contact for all research integrity issues and ensured compliance with NIH conflict of interest guidelines and recusal requirements
- Coordinated and served as the primary expert for all NIMH Advisory Committees and Working Groups
- Supervised 65 scientific and administrative staff (GS7-GS15), as well as up to 10 contractors in a manner that maximized the employees’ potential, connected the organization vertically and horizontally, and fostered a high ethical standard in meeting the NIMH/NIH vision, mission, and goals.
Director, Office of Extramural Policy and Review
National Institute of Drug Abuse
05.2018 - 04.2021
- Served as the lead policy expert in the Division of Extramural Research and as the principal advisor to the Division Director in the areas of extramural review policy, extramural program policy coordination, and matters pertaining to Federal Advisory Council Act (FACA) and non-FACA committees including Council meetings, Council workgroup meetings, and peer review meetings; coordinate and support Council operations, including Council member training in areas of conflicts of interest, use of the electronic council book, and their role as Special Government Employee
- Provided leadership in developing, implementing, and coordinating extramural programs and policies within NIDA, as well as coordinate on such policy matters within the larger NIH
- Responsible for the analysis and interpretation of extramural policies and practices in the context of overseeing the review of program announcements, requests for applications, and notices for publication in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts
- Oversaw receipt and referral policies, guidelines, and agreements with the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) regarding the peer review of all grants and research contracts
- Collaborated with the NIDA Ethics Team around the analysis of real and perceived conflicts of interest for NIDA staff, Council members, and contractors
- Served as NIDA’s Appeals Officer and Research Integrity Officer
- Supported grants management activities at the intersection of extramural policy via grants and cooperative agreements and serve as senior level approver of administrative supplements
- Supervised 20 scientific and administrative staff (GS7-GS15), including 18 federal and 2 contractors
Deputy Director
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
07.2016 - 04.2018
- Supported the Executive Director in the development and implementation of the Association’s policies and programs and had primary responsibility for the effective and efficient functioning of the Association’s day-to-day administrative and program operations
- Fulfilled the fiduciary responsibilities and other administrative requirements associated with maintaining a financially stable organization, including the oversight of the organizational budget (approximately $9 million)
- Managed all activities of APS standing committees, governance activities, and provided support to the APS Board of Directors
- Ensured all staff interactions with APS members were appropriate and responsive and oversaw all membership outreach, recruitment, and renewal efforts
- Oversaw APS publishing activities to ensure the journals met their scientific mission, adhered to principles of openness and transparency, and operated efficiently at all stages of the publication process
- Oversaw the planning and on-site operations of the annual APS convention and the biennial international convention to ensure that all aspects of the meeting fit with the mission of the organization and provide an enjoyable experience for presenters and attendees
- Assisted in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies for increasing federal and public support of psychological science via coordination with other professional organizations, federations of non-profit organizations and interacting with Congressional leaders
- Supervised 32 full-time staff members
Acting Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Mental Health
08.2015 - 07.2016
Branch Chief, Extramural Policy Branch
National Institute of Mental Health
01.2010 - 07.2016
Associate Director of Special Projects
National Institute of Mental Health
03.2007 - 12.2009
Scientific Review Officer
National Institute of Mental Health
05.2005 - 03.2007
- Established panels of scientific and public health expert reviewers to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of grant applications and contract proposals received by the NIMH
- Served as the Designated Federal Official at peer review meetings ensuring a fair, thorough, and objective review of the scientific and technical merit of grant applications and contract proposals
- Prepared the required documentation of review meetings in terms of meeting minutes, appropriate certification of conflict of interests, and summary statements documenting the overall opinion of the reviewers on each application/proposal under review
- Developed extensive knowledge of the policies and procedures relevant to peer review as well as extensive knowledge of the state of science and scientific advances in establishing and seeking the scientific and technical expertise required for the review of assigned applications
- Developed extensive knowledge and expertise required in the identification of potential conflicts of interest, the selection and training of appropriate reviewers in the peer review process and ensured appropriate use and application of NIH policies and procedures dictating the evaluation of the scientific and technical merit of assigned applications, coordination of all aspects of review meetings both with the reviewers and with the NIMH staff, and identification and resolution of issues that arise before, during, and after review meetings
Staff Psychologist
National Institute of Mental Health
07.2002 - 05.2005
- Served as primary research coordinator for several multidisciplinary research protocols, including imaging studies, psychological evaluations, neuroendrocrine studies and treatment trials for anxiety disorders and depression
- Provided psychological services including psychological evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations, and psychotherapy to participants in research protocols
- Conducted structured and semi-structured clinical interviews, behavioral and symptom rating scales, managed patients in standard protocols
- Consulted with colleagues implementing research protocols particularly around diagnostic questions, questions related to psychotherapy, and questions related to administering neuropsychological measures
Staff Psychologist
National Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2001 - 07.2002
- Provided inpatient psychological and neuropsychological evaluations to patients admitted to the brain injury and stroke units
- Conducted comprehensive outpatient psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for a wide variety of patients experiencing neurocognitive and psychological symptoms, including extensive interviews, cognitive and psychological testing, and report writing
- Served as primary psychotherapist to both individuals and groups in on-going psychotherapy and cognitive skills groups
Postdoctoral Fellow
Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
08.1999 - 06.2001
- Conducted clinical psychological and neuropsychological assessments with psychiatric patients referred from a broad range of disciplines
- Provided consultation services with medical staff on issues of cognitive/emotional functioning and psychological management of patients
- Served as primary psychotherapist to both individuals and couples in on-going psychotherapy
- Prepared and presented lecture to post-doctoral staff and presented patient information at department-wide grand rounds
Education
Ph.D. - Clinical Psychology
University of Georgia
GA08-1999
Skills
- Actor guidance
- Strategic planning
- Project coordination
- Coaching and mentoring
- Government relations
- Decision-making
- People management
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Risk management
- Change management
- Multitasking and organization
- Stakeholder engagement
- Charismatic leader
- Leadership development
- Staff development
- Regulatory compliance
Timeline
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Mental Health
05.2021 - 04.2025
Director, Office of Extramural Policy and Review
National Institute of Drug Abuse
05.2018 - 04.2021
Deputy Director
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
07.2016 - 04.2018
Acting Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Mental Health
08.2015 - 07.2016
Branch Chief, Extramural Policy Branch
National Institute of Mental Health
01.2010 - 07.2016
Associate Director of Special Projects
National Institute of Mental Health
03.2007 - 12.2009
Scientific Review Officer
National Institute of Mental Health
05.2005 - 03.2007
Staff Psychologist
National Institute of Mental Health
07.2002 - 05.2005
Staff Psychologist
National Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2001 - 07.2002
Postdoctoral Fellow
Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
08.1999 - 06.2001
Ph.D. - Clinical Psychology
University of Georgia
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