Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

LaShaun Graham to Participate in Lead Virginia

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LaShaun Graham to Participate in Lead Virginia

LaShaun Graham to Participate in Lead Virginia

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.

 

Telly Tucker Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders

Telly Tucker Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders

Telly Tucker, the President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is one of 60 participants in the 2025 cohort of Lead Virginia, a prestigious leadership development program.

“Being selected for Lead Virginia is a privilege, and I look forward to using this experience to build social capital and continue supporting Southern Virginia’s success, learning alongside other leaders across the state.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

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.

As President, Tucker has led IALR through a period of substantial growth to more than 150 employees and has helped develop a national reputation for delivering manufacturing training and technology development initiatives in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense. Tucker serves on various civic and professional boards and holds the prestigious Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation. For four consecutive years, he has been named to the Virginia 500 Power List of most powerful and influential leaders in business, government, politics and education.

Tucker is among several distinguished leaders from across Southern Virginia who have been selected to participate in the Lead Virginia program. Other regional participants include:

  • Dan Hayes, Executive Director, Community Foundation of the Dan River Region
  • Cassie Jones, Associate Vice President of University Marketing and Communications, Averett University
  • Angelika Matczak, President & CEO, SBA Home NC
  • Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement, Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation
  • Susan McCulloch, Division Director of Housing & Development, City of Danville
  • Andrew Palmer, Vice President, The Lester Group Inc.
  • Nick Setliff, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, First Piedmont Corporation

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.