LaShaun Graham, Vice President of Human Resources at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is one of 60 participants in the 2026 cohort of Lead Virginia, a prestigious leadership development program.
“Being selected for Lead Virginia is an honor, and I’m excited to learn alongside leaders from across the Commonwealth while continuing to support the growth and success of Southern Virginia.” – LaShaun Graham, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Human Resources, IALR
Lead Virginia, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, operates on the principle of social capital. Each year, it brings together a select group of senior-level professionals committed to advancing Virginia’s future. Through immersive experiences in various regions of the state, participants engage directly with local and state leaders to explore responses to critical issues in the areas of economy, education and health.
The program fosters a network of leaders who transcend professional boundaries to collaborate on solutions for Virginia’s betterment. Throughout the year, participants visit different regions of Virginia, culminating in a session in the Richmond area and graduation. Each session immerses participants in a new region, providing the opportunity to interact directly with local and state leaders to explore unique concerns and potential solutions.
Graham joined IALR in 2022 and leads efforts to develop and enhance the employee experience. She led the development of workforce strategies that enabled the organization to increase headcount by more than 100 employees over a three-year period. She brings more than 20 years of human resources experience, with a strong focus on developing talent, driving employee engagement, and partnering with leaders to influence the achievement of organizational objectives. She is passionate about leveraging talent strategies to support mission-driven work and measurable organizational impact. Graham is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and holds the SHRM‑SCP credential.
Graham is among several distinguished leaders from across Southern Virginia who have been selected to participate in the Lead Virginia program. Other regional participants include:
- Corrie Bobe, Director of Economic Development & Regional Collaboration, Danville Regional Foundation, Danville
- Jess Jarrett, Director of Operations, The Lester Group, Martinsville
- Dr. Venita Mitchell, Vice President Student Engagement, Averett University, Danville
- Ridge Williamson, Chief Operations Officer, Negril Inc., Danville
- Angela Yancey, Community Relations Coordinator, Hitachi Energy, Halifax
Each of these individuals exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing Southern Virginia’s interests and driving meaningful progress for the region.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
