Harlan Sands serves as the Associate Provost for Administration and Finance at the University of Alabama Birmingham where he oversees the administrative and financial operations associated with the academic and research activities at UAB. Prior to joining UAB, Harlan served as the Associate Vice President for Research and Executive Director of the Florida International University Applied Research Center where he administered the center's relationship with the U.S. government in developing, testing and evaluating environmental cleanup technologies as well as addressing emerging environmental and energy technology challenges in Latin and South America.

Sands' other experience includes more than 10 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy, including a stint as a White House Presidential Aide, and three years as an assistant public defender in Miami. Sands earned his bachelor of science degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and holds a master's of finance from George Washington University and juris doctorate from George Mason University. Harlan has been actively involved with NCURA presenting at both the national and regional levels.