FSU InSPIRE Welcomes Research Administration Manager to Team

Florida State University’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) today announced that Carla McClendon has joined the team as Research Administration Manager. She will be responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the program’s Triumph Gulf Coast funding awarded to FSU InSPIRE in April 2024 and serve as primary liaison.

McClendon joins FSU InSPIRE from FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) where she most recently oversaw all administrative and fiscal functions, establishing and ensuring sound procedures were followed in areas including purchasing, travel, and sponsored project accounting and compliance as assistant director for budget and financial services.  At CAPS, McClendon previously served as senior accounting specialist and business manager.  She has worked at FSU for more than 12 years.

“We are really excited to have Carla join the team,” said Senior Research and Project Engineer for Aerospace, Chase Foster, who also served on the hiring committee. “She is a highly skilled and collaborative team player that brings a strong understanding of research administration processes and regulations. Her excellent communication and organizational skills enable her ability to effectively lead a team towards achieving common goals."

In addition to overseeing InSPIRE funding, McClendon also ensures compliance with university policies and procedures related to research administration, serves as a resource for faculty and staff, and collaborates with other departments and units within the university to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency.

“This is a wonderful next step in my FSU journey,” added McClendon. “It’s really gratifying to be able to stay within the innovative footprint of FSU and work with a talented and passionate team with a commitment to not only achieve its mission but also to vastly impact the entire region of Northwest Florida where I’ve grown up and established my own family.”

McClendon is currently working on her Master's in Accounting from FSU and received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Flagler College in Saint Augustine.