Joint Healthcare/Clinical Research (In-Person) Forum - 250820

"From Grant Proposal to Project Execution: Aligning Goals and Budgets in Healthcare Research" – A joint forum panel discussion and networking event

The PMI Atlanta Healthcare and Clinical Research Forums are joining forces this month! Everyone is welcome to participate. This joint in-person session offers the opportunity to cross-network among both forums' attendees.  

Overview

Join us for an informative panel discussion where leading experts will demystify the complexities of grant writing and share actionable strategies to help you secure funding for your research. This dynamic session will dive deep into the evolving landscape of grant opportunities, offering practical advice and answering your most pressing questions.

Whether you're navigating the challenges of finding the right grants for your research projects or looking to sharpen your proposal skills, this event is designed to empower you with the insights and tools needed to break through barriers and seize new opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance to gain expert guidance and elevate your research journey!

Panelists

Dr. Heather Abbott
Interim Director of Research Development
Kennesaw State University

Dr. Heather Abbott is a vibrant individual with skills in research development and more than 15 years of experience as a researcher in the interdisciplinary science of surface reactivity. In her current role at Kennesaw State University (KSU), she assists faculty with identifying appropriate funding opportunities and writing compelling proposals. Additionally, she facilitates team building between KSU faculty and potential collaborators, internal and external to the university. Her work is increasing the research capacity at KSU and supporting research that positively impacts the world. She is delighted to share her expertise in effective communication with others, especially to improve people’s lives through research.

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Kelly Burkett
Founder
Wild Oak Collaborative

Kelly Burkett is a data-driven strategy and operations leader with 15+ years of experience in consulting, organizational transformation, and cross-sector execution. As Founder of Wild Oak Collaborative, she provides fractional leadership and implementation support to organizations navigating complexity and growth.

Kelly has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, including expanding a $24M research initiative into a $100M+ portfolio at an academic medical center; managing $13M in federal funding while securing an additional $10M in blended public-private funding for a research nonprofit.

Kelly approaches funding as a strategy—not just a transaction. She believes unlocking meaningful support requires fluency across industries, institutions, and grant mechanisms. Her creative edge lies in understanding where to look, what to build, and how to structure sustainable opportunities from the ground up. She is especially enthusiastic about the role of project managers as the connective tissue between vision and execution. For Kelly, true execution is not a checklist—it is a living system cultivated by intentional leadership and empowered teams.

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Kaycia Rhone
Project Manager
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing | Emory University

Kaycia Rhone is a seasoned project management leader with a track record of delivering high-impact initiatives across various industries, including healthcare, academia, and the public sector. She is recognized for her ability to scale complex programs, enhance operational efficiency, and foster collaborative environments that deliver meaningful results.

At Emory University, she leads a large-scale, grant-funded project to improve primary care delivery in underserved areas through mobile health solutions. Kaycia’s background reflects a diverse portfolio of high-impact work across healthcare, academia, and public service. She has supported projects that advanced Lean transformation in public health and helped launch a virtual nocturnist telehealth program to expand access to care in rural areas.

She holds an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a BBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. A certified Project Management Professional, Scrum Master, Agile Leader, and Lean Practitioner, Kaycia is passionate about building sustainable systems and empowering teams to create lasting impact.

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When

Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Where

Portal Innovations, 101 Nerem Street NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fees*

Members: $8, Early Bird Rate $5.00 through July 23, 2025
Non-members:$11, Early Bird Rate $8.00 through July 23, 2025

*Please note: A $7 parking discount allowance has been applied to your registration fee.

Meeting content, presenter, and location are subject to change. Refunds will not be made for changes in meeting content, presenters, or locations. 

PDUs

Earn 1.5 PDU
Talent Triangle Category: Business Acumen

PDUs can be claimed here.
For detailed instructions, please visit the CCRS User Guide.