Written by Justo Torres.

While the daily work of the Office of Contracts and Grants (CNG) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we pause this month to formally welcome and recognize the talented individuals who have joined our ranks throughout 2025, bringing new skills and energy to our mission.

We’re thrilled to welcome several talented individuals who have recently joined our team!. Through this article, we invite our readers to get to know our newest colleagues.

Tabor Chao, Fiscal Manager

• Start Date: January 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Started overseeing awards sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and now works with awards sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Relevant Experience: Brings valuable experience from his previous career in property management and maintenance. This is his first role in research administration.
• Fun Fact/Interests: Tabor visited the North Carolina State Fair for three separate years before moving to North Carolina.

LaDeja Isler, Fiscal Manager

• Start Date: January 2025 
• Role and Responsibilities: Supports the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations, including expense review, financial reporting, compliance, project reconciliation, and closeouts for sponsored research.
• Relevant Experience: Strong background in administrative and financial operations. Known for her attention to detail, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. Dedicated to advancing NC State’s mission through integrity, accuracy, and service excellence.
• Fun Fact/Interests: LaDeja has been with the university since 2022. She has a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Business Management from the University of Mount Olive. She is also a Certified Departmental Purchasing Representative and a Notary Public in North Carolina.

Paula Tilley, Fiscal Manager

• Start Date: January 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Provides a strong financial background to her role.
• Relevant Experience: Most recently served as a finance manager for a K-12 charter school. Previously, the director of finance and administration for a regional transportation authority, where she helped secure federal funding for a new trolley service on Hilton Head Island.
• Fun Fact/Interests: Paula relocated to North Carolina from the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Paul Cash, Business Officer

• Start Date: March 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Assumes the role and responsibility of Business Officer.
• Relevant Experience: Nine years at NC State, working at the University Cashier’s Office and the Crafts Center. Excited to rejoin the Finance Division and expand his skillset.
• Fun Fact/Interests: Paul has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from NC State, which he earned in 2011. He is an active participant of several teams in Stonewall Sports and enjoys fused glass and leatherwork as artistic hobbies.

Claire Reavey, Accounting Technician

• Start Date: June 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Supports the post-award team by assisting with award setup and managing accounts receivable tasks. Excited to enhance her expertise in accounts receivable.
• Relevant Experience: Highly proficient in data analysis, skilled at transforming complex data sets into actionable insights and clear visualizations. Expert-level command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting, presentation and document management. Possesses a solid foundation in accounting principles, including financial record-keeping and reporting. 
• Fun Fact/Interests: Claire has a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in business from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2023). She is excited to advance her professional career at NC State.

Chiquita Sills, Systems and Compliance Accountant

• Start Date: June 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Systems and Compliance Accountant. Review and approve payroll redistributions. Analyze cost-sharing reports, effort certifications, and payroll variance data.
• Relevant Experience: Significant experience at NC State since 2013 as a human resources specialist and position budget specialist. Prior experience as an HR/payroll operations specialist at Fidelity Investments.
• Fun Fact/Interests: Chiquita has a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a concentration in literature, from North Carolina Central University. She is enthusiastic about continuing her career journey at NC State.

Stefanie Keto, Financial Compliance Manager

• Start Date: July 2025
• Role and Responsibilities: Financial Compliance Manager. Brings comprehensive experience in post-award management and compliance.
• Relevant Experience: Over 15 years of service with NC State across the libraries, College of Engineering, and College of Natural Resources. Brings a wealth of institutional knowledge.
• Fun Fact/Interests: Stefanie has a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology from NC State. She hosts a monthly podcast for the Society of Research Administration International (SRAi), interviewing subject matter experts. She is a proud member of the Wolfpack!

We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced group joining us. We look forward to their contributions!