Ruzzene taps Van Dalsem to lead the Office of Contracts and Grants
Alexa Van Dalsem
Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene named Alexa Van Dalsem director of the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) effective Jan. 1.
After serving as interim director since September and deputy director since 2021, Van Dalsem was selected to lead the office, which helps faculty, staff and students from across Boulder obtain and manage external support for sponsored activities through specialized regulatory and organizational expertise.
“During the past several years serving as deputy director and more recently as interim director, Alexa has demonstrated the ability to effectively lead this critical team, including strengthening the existing culture of excellence within OCG,” said Ruzzene. “I am thrilled that Alexa has agreed to take on this important leadership role.”
Van Dalsem has 16 years of experience in grant and research administration as well as experience supporting academics and departments at different universities. Prior to taking on the interim director role, Van Dalsem’s work was focused on research administration policy, increasing process efficiency through technology, research security, staff development and training, and supporting staff work-life well-being in a hybrid workforce.
Massimo Ruzzene
“The breadth of her expertise in research administration, along with her extensive experience with OCG and our campus, make Alexa exceptionally qualified to lead this team into the future,” said Ruzzene.
“I feel fortunate to be stepping into the permanent director position and to continue supporting the university’s mission in this new role,’ said Van Dalsem. “The senior leadership and staff in OCG do incredible work every day, and we are well-positioned to continue providing excellent service to the amazing Boulder research and creative work community and to meet future needs.”
Van Dalsem stepped into the position on an interim basis in September when then-director Gary Henry transitioned into the role of assistant vice chancellor for research management and interim executive associate director for LASP Finance and Operations.