Joel Morales joined Case Western Reserve University in November 2015 and currently serves as Senior Executive Director of Post-Award Administration within the Office of Research Administration (ORA), overseeing Sponsored Projects Accounting, Cash Management, Post-Award Services, and Financial Compliance. In this role, he provides executive leadership across the full post-award lifecycle, supporting a research portfolio exceeding $643 million and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies.
Joel serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on financial integrity, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and post-award operations. He holds delegated signature authority and leads institutional oversight of sponsored project audits and compliance risk management. His work includes directing university-wide invoicing, accounts receivable, and cash management strategies, as well as leading modernization efforts to enhance systems, automation, and data-driven decision making.
Prior to his current role, Joel served as Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Financial Compliance and Co-Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Accounting, where he strengthened internal controls, improved audit outcomes, and supported significant research growth. He is known for building high-performing teams, driving operational efficiency, and translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, service-oriented solutions.
Joel holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. He also serves as Treasurer of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland and is an NSF RCOP Fellow, reflecting his commitment to leadership both within and beyond the university.