Staff Profile: Coordinating with Care
Tony Preston integrates logistics, community building, and people-first thinking to advance NUCATS initiatives
As UM1 Program Coordinator at the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute, Tony Preston plays an essential role in keeping complex projects aligned and people connected. He’s known for bringing a sense of empathetic dedication to every aspect of his role, from coordinating logistics for a major grant to advocating for stronger team camaraderie.
“I help oversee the different aspects of the UM1 grant while also working to strengthen staff engagement and create a culture of inclusion and collaboration across teams,” Preston says. “I think of my role like being an air traffic controller, coordinating several moving parts. Whether it’s guiding pieces of the UM1 Grant or supporting efforts across NUCATS, my job is to help everything land smoothly. That means aligning timelines, solving problems before they become roadblocks, and making sure nothing and no one gets lost in the shuffle.”
The NUCATS Institute received its seven-year, $55 million UM1 grant (UM1TR005121) in fall 2024. The award is the largest active research grant at Northwestern and extends a legacy of NIH funding that began when the institute launched in 2008.
What excites me professionally is knowing that I’m part of a team that is making a real, positive impact on communities here in Chicago and around the world. It feels purposeful and rewarding.”
Preston recently joined NUCATS with more than five years of experience coordinating programs and events at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, where he also led alumni engagement and donor relations. His educational background in social work and philosophy, and an earlier associate degree in culinary and hospitality management, has defined his people-focused and operationally grounded leadership style.
“Social work has been the foundation for pretty much everything I do,” Preston said. “It’s given me a people-centric mindset that shapes how I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and creating inclusive, supportive environments.”
On a day-to-day basis, Preston serves as a conduit for connection for faculty, staff, and collaborators to ensure the UM1 grant is progressing on track. To him, a successful day means making a real difference in people’s lives. Whether that’s helping someone feel truly supported, moving work forward in a way that uplifts others, or building relationships rooted in trust and connection. It’s also about creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and a genuine sense of belonging.
“It’s inspiring to see how each piece contributes to something bigger,” Preston says. “What excites me professionally is knowing that I’m part of a team that is making a real, positive impact on communities here in Chicago and around the world. It feels purposeful and rewarding.”
Outside of work, Preston stays engaged through spin classes, hiking, and cooking, with a culinary school degree to back up his kitchen skills. And, when the holiday season comes around, there’s no questioning where his passion lies.
“I am completely obsessed with Christmas!" Preston says. "I never miss a chance to sing along to any Mariah Carey holiday hit. I’ve seen her Christmas concert three times now, and I even had the incredible experience of being part of her Christmas special in 2023 in NYC!”
And the cherry on top? “I actually got to meet her in the elevator of our hotel. A real-life Christmas miracle! Bonus, that same year, I also met the Grinch himself, in all his green, grinchy glory. And honestly, the four-hour wait to meet him was totally worth it. I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything!”
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Preston has lived in the Twin Cities for the past decade.
His advice for NUCATS newcomers is simple: “Be patient with yourself and give yourself the space to learn. Also, take time to build relationships. The people you connect with will become an invaluable part of your support system and make the work a lot more enjoyable.”
And what does he wish more people knew about his job?
“That I’m here to help,” he says. “I genuinely enjoy untangling logistics, supporting colleagues, and finding ways to make things run more smoothly.”
Written by Alex Miranda
