 "The Institute for Advanced Learning is a key force in the transformation of the region's economy. In order for the Commonwealth to compete in the global economy, it is imperative that we continue to invest in the latest technology-- using the Institute as a model of what's possible. From its research endeavors to its advanced learning programs, the Institute offers great promise for Virginia." |
| IALR Management Team |
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Liam Leightley, Ph.D. - Executive DirectorLeightley has held both academic and university-related administrative positions at institutions here and abroad. Before coming to IALR, he worked at Mississippi State University for five years, first as the head of the Department of Forest Products and most recently as the Interim Director of the Forest and Wildlife Center. He also spent fifteen years working for one of the world's largest global specialty chemical companies where his duties centered on global product development and brand marketing management.Beginning in 1988, the Executive Director spent 15 years working for Rohm and Haas, one of the world's largest global specialty chemical companies. For seven of those years, he held increasingly responsible positions developing strategic research programs in the USA and in Japan. From 1993 until he went to Mississippi State in 2003, Dr. Leightley's positions at Rohm and Haas centered on global product development and brand marketing management, which ultimately led to his overseeing $100MM in sales. Leightley currently chairs the Southern Alliance for the Utilization of Biomass Resources and co-chairs the South East Agriculture and Forestry Energy Resources Alliance. He serves on the Southern Technology Council and is a past Director of the Institute for Furniture Manufacturing and Management (now known as the Franklin Furniture Institute). Robert C. Norfleet - Senior Director for Business and OperationsRobert C. Norfleet, Senior Director for Business Operations, directs the financial, human resources, and facilities functions of IALR. He also plays a key role in future business developments that will originate from IALR. Robert most recently served as the Vice President for Business and Finance at Davidson College in Davidson, NC. Dr. Barry Flinn - Director of the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable ResourcesDr. Barry Flinn is the Director of the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources (ISRR) at IALR. His research interests over the past several years have concentrated on forestry and crop functional genomics, and the identification of genes controlling traits of interest. His current research projects have potential applications for new crop and/or plant product development, and fit in well with the overall mandate of the ISRR to develop research projects with potential economic and community development in Southside Virginia. Prior to joining IALR, Dr. Flinn occupied senior biotechnology industry research positions in New Zealand, and helped lead a national research endeavour in Canada, with these efforts resulting in several issued patents and major contributions to worldwide gene databases. Betty Wilcher - Director of Human ResourcesAs the Director of Human Resources, Betty Wilcher develops and administers policies and procedures as they relate to employee relations. Betty received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and her master’s degree in counselor education from James Madison University. As a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Betty’s knowledge of human resources contributes to the strategic planning of the Institute and helps IALR continue its tradition of being an employer of choice in the Danville, VA area. Deborah P. Blanchard - Director of Communications and Public RelationsIn her role as Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Institute and its research centers, Deborah Blanchard serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson. She is responsible for developing and implementing organization-wide integrated marketing communications strategies to ensure that the IALR mission is advanced at the local, regional, and national levels. A versatile communications professional with more than 20 years experience in corporate communications and marketing promotions, Deborah’s Memphis-based marketing and communications consulting company completed projects for a variety of organizations including Fed Ex, Best Western, AFLAC, Wal-Mart, Target and all the major fast food chains. Additionally, she has worked with numerous educational institutions and non-profits including FHA, FFA, FBLA and Vietnam Veterans of America Frances Pettigrew - Manager of Executive Administrative ServicesFrances Pettigrew joined the Institute in August of 2006 as part of the Institutional Advancement Department. Currently she serves as the Manager of Executive Administrative Services. She is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in a variety of ways including scheduling, coordinating meetings, interacting with State and Federal representatives, researching special projects, and reviewing and submitting Federal Appropriation Applications. Prior to her employment at the Institute, Frances was Director of Corporate Ethics and Compliance with the Danville Regional Health System and became a Certified Compliance Professional during her tenure there. She has extensive experience in compliance auditing and Federal reporting. Jason Moore - Director of Information TechnologyJason Moore is the Director of Information Technology at IALR. Jason is responsible for developing and managing the information technology infrastructure for the IALR. He also directs the on-site IT staff to support the information technology operations of the IALR. Julie J. Brown, Ph.D. - Director of Academic and Outreach ProgramsDr. Julie Brown joined the Institute in the fall of 2005 and served as the Coordinator of Student Services and the Manager of Advanced Learning. Currently, she serves as the Director of Academic and Outreach Programs and in this role supports the IALR mission to provide talent development and educational programming aligned with the research center areas of focus, predominantly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. Dr. Brown has eight years of experience in higher education, working for a public research university and two community colleges. She has extensive experience in grant reporting, program development, and fiscal accountability having served as the principal investigator on numerous regional, state and federal grants. Leslie Dobbins - Director of the Institute Conference Center (ICC)Leslie Dobbins manages and directs the Conference Center, including all support activities. This includes marketing the Conference Center facility as a revenue generator and its role to enhance regional economic development. Leslie and her staff, as part of their responsibilities, oversee all catering, hospitality and related activities in support of the overall mission of the IALR. Dr. Steve Southward -Research Director, VIPER Service
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