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Five IALR Employees Complete Regional Leadership Programs

Five IALR Employees Complete Regional Leadership Programs

Five employees from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) recently completed regional leadership development programs designed to cultivate personal growth, strengthen professional skills and enhance community engagement.

Four of these employees graduated from Leadership Southside, a long-standing leadership development program hosted by the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce. One employee completed the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, a project-based experience focused on leadership effectiveness and community connection.

Leadership Southside Graduates

The following IALR employees recently graduated from Leadership Southside:

  • Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager
  • Tracy Fink, Vice President, Institute Conference Center
  • Sherri Dickens, Student Services Manager, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
  • Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

Now in its 33rd year, Leadership Southside helps professionals across the business, education, nonprofit and public sectors build their capacity to lead with empathy and purpose. Through 10 months of interactive sessions, personal assessments and networking opportunities, including a visit to Richmond for Chamber Day at the Capitol, participants gain insight into their personal leadership style and how it affects their ability to influence and collaborate with others.

“Before Leadership Southside, I viewed leadership primarily as a position of authority—someone who sets direction and ensures tasks get done. But through the program, my perception has evolved. I now see leadership as more relational and service-oriented. It’s about influence, empathy and being able to bring people together around a shared vision.” – Sherri Dickens, Student Services Manager, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)

“My favorite part of Leadership Southside was getting to connect with so many passionate, driven people from our region. Every session brought a fresh perspective—not just on leadership, but on how we can make a real impact in our community. I walked away with new friendships, valuable insights and a stronger sense of purpose in both my work and community involvement.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center

“Leadership Southside helped me assess and understand my own workplace tendencies and motivations and gave me the tools to see the motivations and desires of my colleagues.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager, IALR

“Leadership Southside helped me understand the value of different leadership styles and how each brings unique strengths to a team. It taught me how to better collaborate by recognizing and adapting to those differences for more effective teamwork and impact.” – Justin Scarce, ATDM Industry Engagement Manager, IALR

The Chamber recognized the Class of 2025 during its Annual Awards Banquet at IALR. With this year’s cohort, more than 600 individuals have completed the program.

Martinsville-Henry County Leadership Program Graduate

In addition to the Leadership Southside participants, Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II with IALR, completed the leadership program offered by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. This project-based leadership program is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership vision and effectiveness and discover their personal leadership styles.

Stanley and the other participants designed a mentorship program connecting high school students with industry professionals, which they presented to area leaders, including the Martinsville City Mayor, a Martinsville City Council representative and several of the Chamber’s board members.

“The Leadership program from the Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce has reshaped how I view myself as a leader by empowering the skills I already possess and introducing me to new methods that I can now share with my current and future teams. This program not only enabled me to connect with individuals whom I would most likely never have met but also created valuable connections that will continue to facilitate the development of programs that engage new partners in Martinsville and Henry County, showing the potential for growth and development.” – Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II, IALR

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.

Four IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Four IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Four employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are participating in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside – a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The IALR participants are shown below. 

Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager, IALR

Sherri Dickens, Senior Support Specialist, ATDM

Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

“I am excited to network with other aspiring leaders and gain practical leadership tactics and strategies that will aid me throughout my career. I know this experience will equip me to lead and tell the IALR story.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager

“This opportunity will strengthen my leadership skills, deepen my understanding of the region’s challenges and equip me with the tools to contribute more effectively to Southern Virginia’s growth and success.” –Sherri Dickens, ATDM Senior Support Specialist

“As a participant in Leadership Southside, I’m excited to join other emerging leaders in gaining new perspectives, enhancing my leadership skills and building relationships that will strengthen our ability to serve the region. This program is a fantastic opportunity to grow and contribute to the future of our community.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

“Leadership Southside will allow me to grow my leadership skills and knowledge, and I know this experience will position me to make an even greater impact in my role. I am proud to represent both IALR and ATDM while participating in this program.” – Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

Now in its 32nd 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 will meet once a month, focusing on topics like the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.

As Communications Content Manager, Ayers works with the PR and Communications team to plan and produce a wide range of content for IALR, including informative webpages, engaging stories, social media posts and a podcast. Ayers has more than five years of experience in communications, public relations and journalism. Ayers holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional.

As ATDM Senior Support Specialist for Student Support, Dickens is responsible for working with students who attend the program, providing them with resources and information about available support services. Dickens has over 20 years of experience in business, finance and the medical field. Dickens holds an IT Systems Management certificate and two associate degrees from Danville Community College and is currently working to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bellevue University.

As Vice President of the IALR Conference Center, Fink oversees the operations and strategy of the Conference Center, ensuring memorable experiences for all event attendees. Fink has more than 25 years of experience in strategic event management across management, marketing and sales roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University.

As ATDM Manager of Industry Engagement, Scarce leads engagement efforts to help build existing and future relationships with the defense industrial base, including major shipyards and their supporting supply chain — all served by ATDM. Scarce has a manufacturing background with 15 years of industry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University.

ATDM Program Continues to Grow

ATDM Program Continues to Grow

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, led by IALR, continues to grow in its support of the National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense. The program, created to build a highly skilled domestic defense manufacturing workforce, welcomes James Hubbard, Joyce Culley and Sherri Dickens to new roles.

As ATDM Technical Program Manager, Hubbard oversees day-to-day technical operations, training and ATDM activities. He also develops strategic partnerships and supports curriculum development. Hubbard previously served as the ATDM Additive Manufacturing Instructor and formerly as Curriculum Developer. He holds an A.A.S. in Integrated Machining Technology and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Culley serves as the ATDM Placement and Recruitment Coordinator. Prior to joining ATDM, she was the Director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Danville Public Schools and has over 30 years of experience in higher education and public K-12 education. She holds a B.A. and MBA from Averett University.

Dickens works as the ATDM Program Coordinator II in the Advanced Manufacturing division. She joined IALR in 2020 as the Multimedia Technician for the GO TEC program and recently transitioned to the new ATDM position. Dickens holds a certificate in IT Systems Management and is in the process of earning her Associate in Business Management.

ATDM also held its second Workforce Connections event to engage students with hiring employers. Six companies and one organization representing multiple industries participated, offering connections and resources for job opportunities. Visit atdm.org for more details.