Belfer Center Harvard Welcomes Westley Cineus as Director of Finance

Belfer Center Welcomes Westley Cineus as Director of Finance, The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School has announced the appointment of Westley Cineus as its new Director of Finance. Cineus brings over a decade of expertise in financial management and research administration, honed through roles within Harvard University and beyond.

Cineus’s career reflects a proven ability to manage complex financial portfolios in academia and establish effective partnerships with major foundations and government entities. Before joining the Belfer Center, Cineus served as Assistant Director of Research Administration at Opportunity Insights, a research initiative at Harvard. In this capacity, he was instrumental in overseeing financial operations, ensuring smooth funding management and compliance. Earlier, as Senior Research Officer at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cineus handled a multifaceted portfolio of sponsored research spanning Harvard Medical School and Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Commenting on Cineus’s appointment, Meghan L. O’Sullivan, Director of the Belfer Center, said, “West’s depth of expertise in financial management and research administration will be invaluable as we advance the Belfer Center’s mission of addressing the world’s most critical challenges. Throughout his career, West has built and managed relationships with a wide array of financial players and funders, demonstrating his ability to be a trusted partner.”

Executive Director Natalie Colbert added, “West’s leadership, dedication to operational excellence, and experience partnering with diverse faculty and scholars will ensure the Center’s continued success and its ability to foster cutting-edge research and innovation. We are thrilled for West to join the Belfer community.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Cineus remarked, “I’m excited to join the Belfer Center and deeply honored to work under Meghan O’Sullivan’s visionary leadership. It’s a privilege to contribute administratively to the Center’s mission and its important work on global challenges. Having already met some incredible people here, I’m eager to jump in and begin collaborating with this extraordinary team.”

Cineus holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cambridge College and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. His robust academic credentials, combined with his hands-on expertise, make him an exceptional leader for the Center’s financial strategy and operations.
About the Belfer Center for Science and International AffairsThe Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School is a leading hub for addressing global challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs. The Center brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to deliver forward-thinking research and policy solutions. With the rich intellectual resources of Harvard University, the Belfer Center bridges the gap between academic inquiry and real-world problem-solving, empowering future leaders to tackle complex global issues.