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Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

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IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Fink as the new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center and Operations. Her proven and diverse event management experience, strategic vision and commitment to delivering exceptional events and experiences will undoubtedly drive the continued success of the ICC and further our mission of economic transformation in our region.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Fink is an experienced marketing, sales and event leader known for her strategic leadership and dynamic approach to event management. Her track record includes planning corporate and social events with guest counts exceeding 1,000. Her time working in numerous event-oriented roles has left her with a deep knowledge of the planning and logistics that go into creating successful experiences and events.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Institute Conference Center – one of the premier venues in all of Virginia,” said Fink. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.”

Fink most recently served as Director of Events and Marketing for Mayfair Hospitality, which oversees several hotels and venues in Winston Salem, N.C. Fink has also worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary and as an on-air morning show host and sales manager for a Baltimore radio station. Fink has experience in sales, events and marketing across several industries and in different roles. Fink holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University. Her commitment to the community includes board positions and membership with such groups as the Forsyth County Hospitality Alliance, the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and Junior League.

“Tracy Fink’s extensive experience, community engagement and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the ICC as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.” – Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

Fink is filling this role after the recent retirement of Leslie Dobbins, who worked with the ICC for more than 20 years.

Located in Southern Virginia, the Institute Conference Center (ICC) is a preeminent destination for conferences, meetings and events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled services and amenities like catering, technology support and event planning, the ICC offers a versatile and customizable space to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, the ICC provides a dynamic environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and success. The ICC also oversees IALR’s on-site cafe, Megabytes.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

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The December edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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Conference Center Leader to Retire

Conference Center Leader to Retire

After 20 years of exceptional service to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Leslie Dobbins has announced her retirement from her position as Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, effective Jan. 31, 2024. Dobbins’ commitment to excellence has helped elevate the Institute Conference Center (ICC) to one of Southern Virginia’s most prestigious meeting and event destinations.

 “For over 20 years it has never felt like work because I absolutely love what I do every day. I believe in the mission, and I am beyond grateful to have had this incredible opportunity to work with so many capable and dedicated individuals.”  – Leslie Dobbins, Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, IALR  

Dobbins joined the ICC team in 2003 as Sales and Event Planner before being promoted to General Manager and then Director; she was named Vice President in May 2022. Her hospitality career spans 40 years and includes previous positions as Membership Development Director and Social Director for well-known hospitality organizations in Milwaukee and Louisville. Locally, she has served on the boards of the Danville Science Center, Smart Beginnings, Danville Concert Association and the Garden Club of Danville. Dobbins attended Sweet Briar College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin. 

 IALR is indebted to Dobbins for numerous accomplishments, some of which include:  

  • Leadership and development of an experienced ICC staff who worked by her side for most of her tenure 
  • Cultivation of a high-quality food service provider 
  • Opening IALR’s on-site café, Megabytes  
  • Leading the ICC team’s creation of a meaningful holiday community service project for 14 years (Decorating the Trees for a Cause, followed by Wreaths for a Cause, raising a total of $157,333 for area non-profits) 
  • Managing the $2.8 million renovations of the ICC which began simultaneously with the pandemic 
  • Overseeing upgrades to the Charles Hawkins Building high bays 
  • Collaborating with Facilities to oversee the construction of the Rapid Launch Facility 

“Leslie’s dedication, attention to detail and commitment to excellence are pertinent factors in the success of the ICC. Her team members continuously strive to support the Conference Center’s function in the same way. During my brief tenure with IALR, I have grown to sincerely appreciate Leslie’s love for the organization, our mission and the community. She will be missed by all, and I wish her the best in future endeavors.” – Dr. John H. Hughes IV, Executive Vice President of Operations for IALR 

 Dobbins’ team also say they will miss their longtime leader. 

“Leslie is a hard-working and fair supervisor. She has held this team together like glue, and we are going to miss her terribly!” – Diana Parrish, Event Planner and Service Operations Coordinator at IALR

“Leslie is a great person to work for, or as she would always say, ‘we work together.’ I could not work for a better person; she is honest, has integrity and you always know she has your back and is very appreciative of the job you do.” – Ellen Bass, Sales and Marketing Manager at IALR 

“I give credit and thanks to the ICC team who have been integral in the growth and success of our department,” said Dobbins. “Professionally and personally, I am indebted to Diana, Ellen and Theresa (Lewis, Information Desk Specialist) for their unwavering dedication and support every step of the way.” 

Dobbins’ position, Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, will be posted on the employment section of the IALR website in the coming days.

‘WREATHS FOR A CAUSE’ PROGRAM RAISES OVER $17,700 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

‘WREATHS FOR A CAUSE’ PROGRAM RAISES OVER $17,700 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

83 holiday wreaths were auctioned at open house event to support over 50 nonprofits

Wreaths for a Cause - bidding at open houseThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) raised $17,745 for local charities through the annual “Wreaths for a Cause” holiday program. More than 150 guests attended the Dec. 15 open house to celebrate the holidays, enjoy door prizes and participate in a live and silent auction of wreaths – all to benefit area nonprofit organizations.

Area businesses and organizations created and displayed 83 wreaths in IALR’s atrium in honor of their selected charities to raise funds in the form of votes, or donations. The public visited IALR’s atrium Nov. 28-Dec. 15 to vote for wreaths with a donation. Each of the more than 50 charities represented retained those funds, and the wreath that collected the most money (donated by Goodyear Tire and Rubber to support United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County) received a bonus of $1,000 at the open house. Two random drawings of all wreaths awarded additional $1,000 and $500 bonus awards to participating charities:  the Claire Parker Foundation, supported by GO TEC and Furniture Depot, and Hope House, supported by Wilkins & Co. and Building Blocks Center for Children with Autism. All wreaths were then auctioned off, raising more funds for the supported charities.

“It amazes me every year how much our community actively supports this annual charitable and festive event,” said Leslie Dobbins, Vice President, Facilities and the Institute Conference Center. “We are honored to serve as the facilitator and host of these beautifully decorated wreaths in support of our local charities. I sincerely appreciate our staff and all the area organizations and businesses for participating, and I deeply value the support and engagement of our community.”

At the open house, Austin Scher of the Danville Otterbots served as master of ceremonies, and Rita Smith of River City Auction served as wreath auctioneer. All guests had an opportunity to win door prizes donated from local businesses and ticket proceeds from the event went to the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County.  

“Wreaths for a Cause” sponsors included platinum sponsor Dewberry; gold sponsors Goodyear Tire and Rubber, JTI and Wilkins & Co. Realtors; silver sponsor FCS Inc.; and bronze sponsors Caesars Virginia and Riverside Roof Truss. Since IALR began a holiday fundraising program for nonprofits in 2010, $157,333 has been raised for charitable causes.

Click here for more photos.

Wreaths for a Cause open house

Bass Recognized by United Way for Wreaths Campaign

Bass Recognized by United Way for Wreaths Campaign

If you have ever visited IALR between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you may be familiar with the festive holiday program hosted annually. First launched as Decorating the Trees for a Cause and last year revamped to Decorating the Wreaths for a Cause, this event invites businesses to submit decorated wreaths to raise funds, in the form of votes, for a select charity. The event is a major undertaking and has been spearheaded for 12 years by Ellen Bass, IALR’s Sales and Marketing Manager, who was recently recognized by United Way for her efforts.

Heather Satterfield, Past Chair of United Way, recognizes IALR’s Ellen Bass with the Exceptional Event Award for her leadership
of the 2021 Decorating the Wreaths for a Cause program.

“Ellen gives one hundred percent in all that she does to offer exceptional conference services to our guests, businesses and community,” said Leslie Dobbins, Director of the Institute Conference Center and Facilities. “Her leadership in Decorating the Wreaths is always admirable and worthy of commendation. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

During last month’s annual meeting of United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Bass received the Exceptional Event Award for her leadership of the 2021 Decorating the Wreaths for a Cause program. Since the holiday program’s inception in 2010, it has raised more than $135,000 for local charities. In 2021 alone, the new wreaths focus raised more than $16,000. The wreath that collected the most money also received a bonus of $500 at the open house event; it was donated by Goodyear Tire and Rubber to support United Way.

“I am honored to have been recognized in such a special way by United Way, who does a fabulous job of supporting our nonprofit organizations and community on a day-to-day basis,” said Bass. “To lead such an impactful program is very rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to help IALR meet the needs of our community in meaningful ways.”