Christine Farnsworth Atherton, EDC vice president, is the director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), including EDC’s Human Protections Program and corporate Procurement. In her role, she provides strategic and operational leadership across all facets of OSP. She manages a team of experienced research administrators responsible for pre- and post-award activities, including the review, approval, negotiation, and administration of grants, contracts, and subagreements. She ensures compliance with both internal policies and external sponsor regulations, while also collaborating on the development of new organizational policies, procedures, and business systems.

Since joining EDC in 1999, Christine has held various positions across the program and administration and finance divisions, including roles in finance, office management, and research administration. She has played a pivotal role in key organizational projects, including the design and implementation of EDC's knowledge management system Sophia. Additionally, she is an active member of several internal teams, such as the data analysis and visualization group, which enhances EDC's operational efficiency, data integrity, and strategic planning through accessible and relevant information.

Christine earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts from Framingham State University.