Kimberly Gaedeke

Kim Gaedeke joined the Office of the Vice President for Research in 2022 as Director of Partnerships – Opioid Solutions where she built collaborative partnerships and strategies, internally and externally, to support efforts and best practices in addressing the opioid issues across the state.

Prior to joining the University, Kim held a number of leadership roles in the private and public sectors.  Most notably, she worked for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) from 2012-2021, where she served the last two years as Chief Deputy Director.  During her tenure at LARA, Kim was successful in streamlining programs and improving the overall operations of the department to better serve the public.  She was responsible for bringing the department to the digital age by leading the modernization of a number of IT systems, including the state’s prescription drug monitoring program, the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS).  This modernization effort was recognized as one of the most successful IT projects in the state for being completed on time and under budget while improving the overall user experience and program efficiency.  Additionally, Kim worked with various groups and organizations along with the legislature on policies and regulations centered around licensure, long-term care, and the opioid issue. 

Kim also has extensive experience in government relations and has previously worked in Congress and for the Michigan Legislature.  Kim holds a Bachelors of Political Science/Public Policy from Western Michigan University.