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Dr. Susan Wyatt Sedwick: A Figure of Excellence in Research Administration

On October 20, 2025, at the SRAI Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Susan Wyatt Sedwick will be honored with the 2025 Herbert B. Chermside Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to research administration. This esteemed accolade, presented by the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), signifies a celebration of her decades-long commitment to advancing the field.

Dr. Sedwick's career is nothing short of inspiring. As a leader at Attain Partners, a prominent management and technology consulting firm based in McLean, Virginia, she has transformed research administration through her visionary approach, advocating for program development, policy improvements, and fostering mentorship. The SRAI Awards Committee underscored her worthiness, recognizing her extensive efforts to elevate research administration into a respected profession.

In her own words, Sedwick expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “I am honored and humbled to be recognized for lifetime achievement in research administration, an acknowledgment that reflects not only my efforts but also the support, empowerment, and collaboration of many others.” Her respect for her predecessor, Herb Chermside, is evident as she notes his influence on her career and the community's acknowledgment of inclusivity—values she continues to embody.

Dr. Sedwick’s accolades include service on various national and international panels that set the standards for research administration. She has authored critical guidance documents, white papers, and policy frameworks that serve as essential resources across the field. Her leadership initiatives have modernized research administration infrastructure, streamlined compliance, and have fostered improved collaboration among academic, administrative, and sponsored programs units. Furthermore, she has provided invaluable counsel to colleges, universities, and funding organizations, helping to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Mark Davis, Managing Partner and Research Practice Lead at Attain Partners, praised Dr. Sedwick, stating, “Susie Sedwick is the very model of the kind of leader our research community needs. She blends deep expertise, integrity, and a genuine commitment to lifting up others.” This reveals the high regard in which her colleagues hold her, affirming that her dedication has continuously driven positive change in the research community.

Beyond her professional undertakings, Sedwick is recognized for her relentless advocacy for professional development. She has mentored countless research administrators, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and fostering innovation in research management. Her dual ability to apply deep technical knowledge while maintaining a collaborative, humane approach to problem-solving makes her a distinguished leader in her field.

As Attain Partners celebrates Dr. Sedwick's lifetime honor, the firm looks forward to her continued influence in the realm of research administration. With her example, the next generation of research administrators is invited to uphold the standards of excellence she has set, ensuring the future of the profession remains bright.

For those interested in learning more about Dr. Sedwick and her commendable journey, further information can be found at Attain Partners.