Supporting Leadership Changes at a Research-Intensive Medical School

Client: An elite research-intensive academic medical center in New York City offering pathways for research, dual degrees (e.g., MD-MBA), and specialized training.

Situation: The university was experiencing leadership changes in the C-Suite and was in need of an interim Chief Financial Officer. With only ten percent of costs covered by tuition, the university needed to increase research grants and revenue.

Engagement: Ron Dreskin was engaged to manage revenue and improve capture of research grants as well as recruit research physicians. He played a critical role in increasing research grants by balancing the institution’s clinical revenue with strategic investment in research infrastructure, fostering industry partnerships, enhancing grant management efficiency and aligning financial incentives with research productivity. He developed relationships with key donors, including Christopher Reeve, to advance spinal cord injury research and scientific understanding of paralysis.

Outcome:

• Developed and implemented “Deans Tax” to support overhead costs
• Successfully increased grant revenue by 10 percent
• Recruited permanent CFO as member of Onboarding Committee