Biography

Bernard M. Garcia, M.S., is the lead administrative officer in the Intramural Services Section (ISS) of the Administrative Services Branch of NCATS’ Office of Administration Management (OAM), where he leads a team that performs comprehensive administrative duties. These duties include (1) analyzing organizational priorities and providing a wide range of liaison services to support administrative functions for all programs within the center’s Division of Preclinical Innovation; (2) developing and implementing administrative policies and procedures for the center; (3) defining goals and objectives for major programs and initiatives, recommending a course of action, and implementing alternative polices chosen for various administrative areas of NCATS (e.g., budget and fiscal management, personnel and workforce utilization, contract administration, all aspects of travel regulations).

Prior to joining NCATS, Garcia served as a hospital administrative officer in the NIH Clinical Center’s OAM, where he provided administrative support to the Critical Care Medicine Department, Pain and Palliative Care Services, and the Social Work Department. Prior to coming to NIH, Garcia served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Garcia holds an M.S. in health care administration from the University of Maryland, as well as a B.S. in health care management from Southern Illinois University.

Professional Interests

Garcia enjoys formally and informally mentoring staff to ensure their success in performing various administrative functions. He currently chairs the OAM Policy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Review Board that examines and approves the center’s SOPs and policies. He enjoys enhancing ISS/OAM administrative processes with new and innovative approaches, including streamlining administrative workflows and improving information accessibility. Garcia continuously strives to elevate his team’s performance through his hands-on leadership and management style.