Joel Morales joined Case Western Reserve University in November 2015 and currently serves as co-executive director for sponsored projects accounting within the Office of Research Administration (ORA). In this role, he provides strategic leadership in post-award financial management, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies.
With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and integrity in research administration, Joel’s responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the university’s invoicing and financial reporting processes;
- Directing the approval of salary and non-salary adjustments;
- Leading initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in post-award financial stewardship; and
- Collaborating closely with faculty, department administrators and senior university leadership to develop and implement policies that support the financial health of sponsored projects across multiple research institutions.
Prior to his current role, Joel served as the executive director of Sponsored Projects Financial Compliance, where he played a key role in strengthening internal controls, enhancing audit preparedness, and ensuring adherence to Uniform Guidance and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). His expertise spans financial compliance, policy development, risk assessment, and strategic planning in research administration.
Joel also holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a master’s degree in healthcare management from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management, which he earned in 2021. His background in financial compliance, research administration, and strategic financial management positions him as a dedicated leader in advancing the university’s research enterprise.