Sara Rotz, MPA, CRA
Director
sara.rotz@cuanschutz.edu
Sara joined the PreAward Shared Services team in November 2021 with over nine years of research administration experience, which began with the State of Indiana. For the past five years, Sara worked in the sponsored programs office at Indiana University (IU), three of which she was Manager of Proposal and Award Services. Sara received her master’s degree in Public Administration from IU in 2014 and became a Certified Research Administrator in 2018. Her connection to Colorado stems from her time as an AmeriCorps member with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The mountains and over 300 days of sunshine called her back to this great state.
Sara is currently the primary consultant for the Department of Pathology & the Department of Medicine - Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
alexander.costakis@cuanschutz.edu
Alex has 8 years of grants management experience with government, industry and foundation sponsors, first in a nonprofit setting and then joining the Anschutz Medical Campus and PASS in 2018. He worked closely with investigators in the Departments of Surgery, Ophthalmology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation for over three years and in July 2021 began a new role as PASS Manager, overseeing ongoing team development and preaward functions for the entire group. He received his master’s degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University in 2016. In his free time, Alex is an avid and mediocre rock climber, fly fisherman and all-around outdoor enthusiast.
Alex is currently the primary consultant for the Department of Emergency Medicine.
jessica.randall@cuanschutz.edu
Jessica joined the PreAward Shared Services team in March 2019, after completing the University of Colorado Denver’s Research Administration Workforce Curriculum certification. Jessica has a bachelor's degree in Biology from CU, and worked as a Senior Professional Research Assistant for over 20 years prior to her work in grants management, where she gained experience assisting PIs from the programmatic side of research in various departments working with government, industry, and foundation sponsors. Due to her diverse background, she brings a unique set of skills to her work on the PASS team, primarily supporting Geriatrics, Neurosurgery, and Rheumatology. Jessica has also worked at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and Oklahoma State University – University Multispectral Laboratories. She loves to backpack, bake, and take weekend trips to her mountain cabin.
Jessica is currently the primary consultant for the Department of Neurosurgery and the Department of Medicine - Divisions of Geriatrics and Rheumatology.
haley.mccachern@cuanschutz.edu
Haley majored in Organizational Leadership at the University of Oklahoma and has worked with multiple development teams within the nonprofit sector. Before moving to Denver, she worked as the volunteer coordinator at the Children’s Clinics in Tucson, AZ. She loves figuring out new organizational tools, volunteering at local nonprofits, traveling, and is always up for a good cup of coffee. Haley joined the PASS team in November 2019.
Haley is currently the primary consultant for the Departments of Cell & Developmental Biology, Otolaryngology, and Physiology & Biophysics.
Sarah joined the PASS team in April 2021 after obtaining her master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. Prior to coming to the University of Colorado, she worked in UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science in a similar Grants Consultant position. She now works primarily with the Departments of Surgery and Ophthalmology providing PreAward support to faculty in the development of successful proposals. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, hiking, video games, and archery.
Sarah is currently the primary consultant for the Departments of Ophthalmology, Radiation Oncology, and Surgery.
Sauda joined the PreAward Shared Services team in October 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Science at Colorado State University (CSU) in 2020. While at CSU, she enrolled in a grant proposal course where she gained experience in research and grant management. Prior to this role, she worked as a Case Manager for a nonprofit which allowed her to enhance her project management skills. Sauda has a passion for rewarding and fulfilling work. She loves to travel, explore new foods, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sauda currently assists all departments and divisions of PASS with NIH Progress Reports and Veterans Affairs Interagency Personnel Agreements (IPAs).
Ashley joined the PreAward Shared Services team in February 2022. Prior to coming to the University of Colorado, she worked in the sponsored programs office at Indiana University (IU) in a similar Grants Consultant position. Ashley received her master's degree in Public Administration from South University in 2017. In her free time, Ashley volunteers at the Indianapolis Zoo. She also loves traveling, photography, and anything to do with animals.
Ashley is currently the primary consultant for the Department of Immunology/Microbiology and the Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Blood & Marrow Transplant.
marienne.kinsey@cuanschutz.edu
Marienne joined the Pre Award Shared Services team in July 2022. Prior to joining the team, she worked at Indiana University in the Office of Research Administration for 9 years. She received her Master’s degree in English/TESOL from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). In her free time, she loves heated Vinyasa Yoga, traveling, and just taking it easy in local coffee shops.
Marienne is currently the primary consultant for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Department of Medicine - Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Disease.
barny.chavarria@cuanschutz.edu
Barny joined the PreAward Shared Services team in January 2023. He received his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management from St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, FL. Before joining the University of Colorado, Barny worked in the finance industry for several years. Barny’s previous position was as Senior Underwriter for D.R. Horton. His financial experience brings additional insights and organizational skills to the team. He enjoys traveling the world, kayaking, going to the beach with his children, or any activity that includes his family.
Barny currently assists all departments and divisions of PASS with NIH Progress Reports and Veterans Affairs Interagency Personnel Agreements (IPAs).
Virginia joined the PreAward Shared Services team in February 2022. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a Research Program Development Coordinator at Auburn University. Virginia received her bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and her master’s degree in political science and international affairs from the University of Georgia. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and bake.
Ginny is currently assisting PASS with various projects and reporting needs.