Tracie Cowen, CFO and Associate Laboratory Director for Business Services

Professional Overview

Tracie Cowen is an accomplished finance and business operations executive with extensive experience in the scientific research and development industry. In her current role as the CFO and Associate Laboratory Director for Business Services at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), she oversees the financial management and business operations of this leading U.S. Department of Energy research facility.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the CFO and Associate Laboratory Director for Business Services at PNNL, Tracie is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and driving operational efficiency across the organization. She manages a team of over 75 financial and business professionals, ensuring the laboratory's financial records, budgets, and reporting are maintained to the highest standards. Under Tracie's leadership, PNNL has achieved consistent year-over-year growth in its sponsored research portfolio, securing over $1 billion in annual funding to support critical scientific and technological advancements.

Career Progression

Tracie has steadily advanced through various leadership roles at PNNL over the past two decades. She began her career as a Cost Accounting Manager in 1999 before being promoted to Lab Operations Business Manager, Directorate Science Business Manager, and Division Director of Business Development and Analysis. Tracie's proven track record of driving operational improvements, enhancing business processes, and aligning financial strategies with the laboratory's strategic priorities has been instrumental in her career progression.

Academic Background

Tracie holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Washington State University, where she graduated cum laude. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership training programs to further develop her strategic management capabilities.

Areas of Expertise

Financial management and controls

Budgeting and resource allocation

Business process optimization

Strategic planning and execution

Sponsored research portfolio growth

Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

Professional Impact

Under Tracie's leadership, PNNL has achieved significant operational and financial milestones, including:

Securing over $1 billion in annual sponsored research funding to support the laboratory's mission

Implementing cost-saving initiatives that have improved the organization's overall financial efficiency by 15%

Developing and executing a strategic business plan that has led to the expansion of PNNL's research capabilities and client base

Fostering a collaborative, data-driven culture that has enabled the laboratory to effectively respond to emerging industry trends and customer needs

Conclusion

With her exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and proven track record of driving organizational growth and efficiency, Tracie Cowen is a valuable asset to PNNL. In her current role as the CFO and Associate Laboratory Director for Business Services, she continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the laboratory's mission to advance scientific discoveries and technological innovations that positively impact the world.