IALR September 2026 Newsletter

Five employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) have been selected to participate in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside, a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The program equips emerging and established leaders with the tools, experiences and connections needed to make an impact across Southern Virginia.

The IALR participants are:

• Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II
• Jeremiah Williams, Director, Manufacturing Technologies
• Jessica Hardy, IT Specialist II
• Joel Nester, ATDM Industry Engagement Coordinator
• Meredith Gregory, Director, Digital Strategy & Program Management

“I hope to expand my network by connecting with regional and state leaders and learning more about the impactful work they are doing. I am particularly interested in identifying ways to build partnerships that strengthen both my programs and the broader community. Ultimately, I hope this program will help me become a more effective, collaborative leader who can support sustainable growth and create meaningful opportunities for the communities we serve.” – Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II

“I’m looking forward to learning from key leaders across the region and gaining a broader perspective from their experiences and leadership styles. I hope to refine my own leadership skills, become a more effective leader, and continue growing in how I communicate, support, and lead those around me.” – Jeremiah Williams, Director, Manufacturing Technologies

“Through the Leadership Southside program, I am looking forward to gaining skills that help maintain meaningful connections, gaining more self-understanding and confidence, learning enhanced skills for communication with colleagues of all levels, and ultimately, learning how to transition from a non-leadership role into a leadership role in my career’s future.” – Jessica Hardy, IT Specialist II

“I am looking forward to building relationships and making connections in Southern Virginia. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about myself and give me the opportunity to grow as a professional. I always welcome new ideas and ways of thinking to improve myself as an individual.” – Joel Nester, ATDM Industry Engagement Coordinator

“There is no finish line when it comes to expanding leadership skills. To me, Leadership Southside is a fantastic opportunity to invest time into my leadership ability. The program is also a great networking opportunity within Southern Virginia. Bringing together professionals and leaders from so many organizations in the area fosters connectivity in the region well after the program completes.” – Meredith Gregory, Director, Digital Strategy and Program Management

Now in its 35th year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort meets monthly to explore topics such as the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others, and inspiring others to take action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.

Participant Biographies

Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II

Stanley oversees the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning program, coordinating, developing and leading workshops to strengthen the region’s workforce and expand lifelong learning programming. He also works extensively with the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program as the site, data and communications coordinator, supporting the program’s data collection and reporting, site partnerships and placements, member training, development and supervision and works to help market and recruit future members.

Jeremiah Williams, Director, Manufacturing Technologies

As Director of Manufacturing Technology, Williams oversees all technical aspects of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement’s (CMA) manufacturing and optimization efforts with a primary focus on subtractive manufacturing, design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), additive manufacturing, and quality. Williams leads and manages the engineering teams while also developing and strengthening partnerships with industry and technology partners to expand the CMA’s capabilities and impact.

Jessica Hardy, IT Specialist II

Hardy works in the IT department as an IT Specialist II. Her main responsibilities include working with helpdesk services, testing and preparing AV equipment for conference events, physical access management and intermediate-level systems administration tasks.

Joel Nester, ATDM Industry Engagement Coordinator

Nester serves as the ATDM Industry Engagement Coordinator, connecting industry partners to a trained talent pipeline. Through collaboration and outreach, he develops partnerships that create employment opportunities for program participants while helping employers meet their training and workforce needs. He is passionate about creating relationships that drive long-term success for both industry and trainees.

Meredith Gregory, Director, Digital Strategy & Program Management

Gregory leads the digital team within Manufacturing Advancement as well as the Program Management Office. In this role, Meredith engages with customers, internal and external, on digital and program management needs, translates this into vision and strategy, and leads execution of both initiatives.