K. Michelle Powell, JD, BSN, RN
Director of the Office of Research Finance & Administration

Michelle Powell is a dedicated professional with a unique blend of clinical and legal expertise. She began her career as a registered nurse, gaining experience across multiple areas of nursing, including two years as a Research Nurse Coordinator, where she managed and coordinated clinical trials.

Motivated by a passion for healthcare regulatory compliance, Michelle pursued her Juris Doctor degree. After law school, she served as Legal Counsel for a small cardiovascular research organization, providing legal guidance on clinical research operations and regulatory matters. She also gained valuable experience at a law firm that specialized in handling healthcare-related cases.

Driven by a desire to expand her impact within a large healthcare system, Michelle transitioned to CHRISTUS Health. She currently serves as the Director of the Office of Research Finance & Administration (ORFA) within the CHRISTUS Institute for Innovation & Advanced Clinical Care. In her role, she leads a team that delivers comprehensive pre- and post-award support to CHRISTUS Health facilities conducting research across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. She oversees the institution’s research compliance program, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and institutional policies. In addition, her team is responsible for maintaining billing integrity by performing research billing reviews of all charges for subjects enrolled in clinical trials, ensuring accuracy and compliance throughout the billing process.

Michelle’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to compliance and the responsible conduct of research—leveraging her clinical background and legal expertise to foster innovation, ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory standards, and champion excellence in research and the advancement of healthcare delivery.