Written by Brian C. Moon - February 20, 2026
After four years of dedicated service to the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), John E. Trombley, MS, will be transitioning to a new position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
John joined the CCTS in February 2022 as Program Administrator II and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the Center. Serving at the front desk, he was often the first point of contact for investigators, trainees, and visitors. Beyond that visible role, John provided essential administrative support to CCTS leadership, including Drs. Orlando Gutierrez, Jennifer Croker, Robert Kimberly, and Dana Rizk.
His contributions extended across scheduling, event planning, membership management, invoice processing, and day-to-day operational support. Known for his steady presence and positive attitude, John frequently stepped in behind the scenes to support team members and ensure continuity of operations during busy periods, including grant renewal efforts.
Before joining the CCTS, John worked as an Infection and Disease Scientist supporting high-containment research projects involving bacterial and viral pathogens. His scientific background, combined with his administrative skill set, brought a unique perspective to his work at the Center. John’s next role will be Program Manager II supporting the CARDIA clinical trial at the UAB data center, where he will assist with reporting and administrative operations. While the team will miss his daily presence, we are excited to see him take this next step in his professional journey and are grateful for the impact he has made during his time with the CCTS.