Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The July 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
IALR has grown really fast. But, as President Telly Tucker explains, growth alone isn’t the goal.
In this conversation, Telly reflects on four years as president, sharing what it’s like to lead an organization that’s quadrupled in size, why culture matters more than ever during rapid change, and the real stories that make the work meaningful. It’s a candid look at leadership, impact and what comes next for IALR and the region.
The June 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The May 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
Southern Virginia’s economic resurgence did not happen overnight. And, as speakers emphasized at a recent Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge luncheon hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, neither did the story that helped make it possible.
Held April 9 at IALR’s Danville campus, the event brought communications and public relations professionals to Southern Virginia to examine how intentional PR and community relations have supported long‑term economic transformation. While the chapter traditionally meets in the Roanoke area, organizers intentionally convened in Southern Virginia to reflect the momentum and innovation taking place across the region.
For IALR President Telly Tucker, the narrative surrounding Southern Virginia often misses a critical truth.
“People always ask, ‘How did this happen? It seems like all this is happening overnight,’” Tucker said. “And as many leaders will tell you, if anybody can tell you about an overnight success, they’ll tell you about 20+ or more years that went into helping plan for that.”
That planning began amid significant disruption in the early 2000s, when Southern Virginia faced the collapse of textiles, the decline of tobacco and furniture manufacturing and the resulting loss of jobs and population. Those shifts shaped a narrative defined by what the region had lost. This narrative was common externally and internally.
“Despite the thousands of jobs lost, the families leaving the region, the young people questioning whether they had a future here and whether there was a job here, there were some visionary leaders in this community who refused to accept that as their reality,” Tucker said.
IALR emerged from that moment with a mission centered on long‑term collaboration and economic transformation: bringing together education, industry, workforce, government and community partners around shared challenges.
“We are a catalyst and a convener, a facilitator of what we call creative collisions,” Tucker said.
As economic development efforts took shape, Tucker said communications moved in parallel, focused first on credibility and trust rather than promotion.
“In 2002 this region had heard big promises before,” he said. “So our communication strategy had to be very careful, had to be thoughtful, had to be grounded in what was actually happening.”
From the beginning, internal audiences were a priority. Clear, consistent communication helped employees understand IALR’s mission and connect their individual roles to long‑term regional outcomes as the organization grew.
That clarity extended outward to the broader community. Messaging emphasized plain language, transparency and honesty about timelines, reinforcing that progress would come in steps rather than immediate wins.
“A strong public relations strategy doesn’t create momentum,” Tucker said. “But it certainly helps people recognize it.”
As IALR has grown, internal communications have become just as important, helping employees connect their individual roles to regional outcomes. Tucker also pointed to leadership storytelling as a long‑term credibility tool, particularly when grounded in consistent, fact‑based narratives around talent development and workforce alignment.
That long‑term preparation has translated into tangible outcomes, including major investments at the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, the successful launch of Caesars Virginia, expansions by companies such as Hitachi Energy, the recently announced arrival of Avio USA and the establishment of Navy and Submarine Industrial Base training programs on the IALR campus.
“They could have put that anywhere in the country,” Tucker said of federal training programs. “But they chose to put it in Southern Virginia based on the confidence, the trust and the demonstration of investment in strategic leadership that this region had made.”
For communicators, Tucker framed the work ahead as both ongoing and consequential.
“The progress in Southern Virginia is real,” he said. “And how we continue to tell this story will help define what comes next.”
That message was reinforced by two partner organizations whose investments intersect with the region’s broader transformation.
Sean Logue, Vice President of Marketing for Caesars Virginia, shared how education, transparency and consistent community engagement shaped public understanding during the casino’s development in Danville.
“PR really earned us time in the beginning,” Logue said, adding that credibility ultimately came from measurable outcomes.
Ryland Clark, Senior Corporate Real Estate Facilities and Capital Project Manager for Hitachi Energy, highlighted the significant impact of community and employee relations within the company’s overall public relations efforts. He also stressed the importance of grounding long-term growth in a clear sense of place and history as the company continues expanding its presence in the region.
“Before you know where you’re going, you have to know where you come from,” Clark said.
Those interested in learning more about PRSA events or membership may contact Blue Ridge Chapter President-Elect Allison Moore at allison.moore@ialr.org.
Telly Tucker, President, IALR; Sean Logue, Vice President of Marketing, Caesars Virginia; Ryland Clark Senior Corporate Real Estate Facilities and Capital Project Manager for Hitachi Energy
The April 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
Southern Virginia is experiencing a defining moment—one shaped by long‑term investment, collaborative leadership and strategic storytelling that has helped redefine the region’s economic identity. This spring luncheon program brings communications and public relations professionals together to examine how intentional PR and community relations have supported this transformation and positioned the region for continued growth.
Held April 9 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, the program will feature a multi‑presenter format highlighting three stakeholders whose organizations have played distinct yet interconnected roles in Southern Virginia’s resurgence. While the chapter traditionally meets in the Roanoke area, this session intentionally convenes in Southern Virginia to reflect the momentum, innovation and economic development taking place across the region.
In this special mini episode, IALR President Telly Tucker sits down with Casie Hansen, who recently graduated from the Non-Destructive Testing track of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM). Casie shares how she discovered ATDM, what it was like to uproot her life and start over at 40 and how the program’s training and wraparound support helped her step confidently into a completely new career path.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted its second annual Staff Development Day on March 3, bringing employees together for a full day dedicated to professional growth, team connection and organizational culture.
All staff participated in three core trainings designed to strengthen skills across roles and departments:
“Staff Development Day is our chance to step back from the day-to-day activities and invest intentionally in the people who make IALR what it is. When our staff grow, our entire organization grows with them.” – LaShaun Graham, SHRM-SCP, Vice President, Human Resources, IALR
With approximately 180 employees to date and many open positions to fill, IALR continues to grow to better catalyze economic transformation and make an impact on the region, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
“As we scale our programs and broaden our reach, it’s more important than ever that we nurture a strong, connected culture. Opportunities like today help us sharpen our skills, support one another and stay aligned as one IALR.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
In addition to training, the day included the presentation of staff superlatives, service awards recognizing milestone years and Catalyst Awards honoring recent high-performing employees.
The following staff were recognized for milestone service awards:
Five Years of Service
Ten Years of Service
Fifteen Years of Service
Twenty Years of Service
One of the best parts of the day was presenting staff superlative awards.
These awards recognize exceptional dedication, innovation, teamwork and positive contributions.
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) Team
The Facilities Team
The February 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
In economic development, it’s easy to put all the focus on numbers like jobs created, capital investment and tax revenue.
But we have to remember that behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community.
That’s why the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) commissioned the latest Living Wage and Job Availability Study for GO Virginia Region 3, which includes 15 localities across Southern Virginia. The report provides tons of data, but we also see it as a roadmap for how we can collectively create better opportunities – and prepare people for those opportunities.
The study, conducted by Chmura, defines a living wage as the hourly rate an individual must earn to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, childcare and healthcare without public assistance. In our region, the average living wage across 12 family types is $14.56 per hour. This is higher than Virginia’s minimum wage of $12.41.
| Family type | Living wage (hourly) | Annual cost of living |
|---|---|---|
| One adult | $11.82/hour | $24,582/year |
| One adult, one child | $18.72/hour | $38,947/year |
| One adult, three children | $32.10/hour | n/a (hourly shown) |
| Two adults, three children (both working) | $18.86/hour | $78,445/year |
For a single adult, all jobs in the region provide a living wage ($11.82). But for families with children — especially single-parent households — the gap is significant. A single adult with three children would need to earn $32.10 per hour to achieve a living wage. These numbers are a stark reminder that regional leaders and economic development professionals must continue to have conversations about interconnected issues like childcare options, accessible job training and wages.
The numbers from the job availability section of the report show both opportunity and urgency. In the first quarter of 2025, 15,383 job openings were posted across Southern Virginia. Healthcare and social assistance accounted for 35.8% of those openings, followed by retail trade and food services.
These figures show that healthcare is one of our largest employment sectors and that there is demand for additional workers. This trend is not unique to Southern Virginia. Education partners across the region at the secondary (high school) and post-secondary (community college and university) levels offer a variety of healthcare training pathways to prepare people for these careers. Through our Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®), we provide middle schoolers across the region and the Commonwealth with memorable, hands-on introductions to career opportunities in healthcare technologies and other STEM and manufacturing fields, giving them an awareness of these career paths and guiding them toward next steps.
In the GO TEC Healthcare Technologies module, students use equipment like blood pressure simulators, CPR manikins, stethoscopes, and microscopes. Additionally, students explore healthcare technology careers, including roles in medicine and nursing.
These coordinated efforts reflect a proactive approach to strengthening the talent pipeline and supporting the long-term growth of the healthcare sector.
So what do we do with all this information?
At IALR, we see this data as validation of many of our lines of effort and a call to action for more. Through programs like GO TEC, we’re introducing Virginia middle school students to high-demand career pathways. We want young people to explore fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing and technology before they make decisions about college or careers. While GO TEC started in Southern Virginia, this career exploration program is spreading to middle schools across the Commonwealth.
This study also reinforces what we see every day: investing in talent at every stage is the best economic development strategy. That means showing middle school students what careers are possible through programs like GO TEC, giving high schoolers opportunities to take steps toward their chosen paths, and ensuring dual enrollment, CTE and postsecondary training align with industry needs.
When interest becomes preparation, we create a pipeline of skilled workers ready for the jobs our region needs most.
The Living Wage and Job Availability Study is a reminder that collaboration matters. No single organization can solve these challenges alone. But together, educators, employers and community leaders can turn insights into action and ensure Southern Virginia remains a place where people don’t just work but truly thrive.
I invite you to read the full report and join us in this conversation. The future of our workforce depends on it.
Telly Tucker oversees a variety of workforce initiatives as the President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. A former teacher, Tucker has significant experience in local economic development working with the City of Danville and Arlington County. Tucker has received the prestigious Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation granted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in Washington, D.C., and for four consecutive years has been named to the Virginia 500 Power List of most powerful and influential leaders in business, government, politics and education.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce that Melanie Lewis, Ph.D., will join the leadership team as Vice President, Advanced Learning, effective Jan. 20, 2026. With extensive experience in higher education, workforce development and talent pipeline strategy, Lewis brings a track record of aligning academic programs with workforce needs, building partnerships and implementing strategies that prepare learners for high-demand careers. As the Vice President, Advanced Learning, Lewis will oversee programs and initiatives that deliver educational and talent development initiatives that meet employer needs, increase STEM capacity, connect students to careers and promote lifelong and service learning across Southern Virginia.
“This role allows me to give back to the community that helped shape me while advancing IALR’s work in economic transformation. I am especially excited to lead the advanced learning division, where education is intentionally aligned with workforce needs to create lasting, meaningful impact.” – Melanie Lewis, Ph.D., Vice President, Advanced Learning
The largest program of the Advanced Learning division is Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®). Now in 76 Virginia middle schools and continuing to expand across the Commonwealth, GO TEC provides hands-on exposure to careers in strategic sectors, such as manufacturing, engineering and technology. Lewis will also oversee work-based learning programs through the EmPOWER framework, including the ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program, as well as various other initiatives such as Dan River Year AmeriCorps, the REACH Partnership, the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning and others.
Lewis brings more than 15 years of experience in education and workforce development. Most recently, she served as Dean of Health and Public Services at Alamance Community College, where she guided multiple academic programs and strengthened connections between education and industry. Previously, she held leadership roles at Averett University in Danville, Va., where she advanced academic programs and student success initiatives. Lewis has a Ph.D. in Education from Northcentral University, a Master of Science in Sport Studies from High Point University, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise, Sport, Health and Education from Radford University.
Lewis will report directly to IALR President Telly D. Tucker and will play a key role in advancing IALR’s mission to catalyze economic transformation through education and workforce development.
“As the region’s hub for workforce development, IALR is committed to building pathways that lead to meaningful careers. Melanie’s experience and vision will ensure our Advanced Learning division continues to deliver innovative programs that serve students, employers and communities.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John H. Hughes IV will continue serving as Interim Vice President of Advanced Learning until Lewis assumes the role on Jan. 20, 2026.
“It was a pleasure to serve as the Interim Vice President of Advanced Learning during our nationwide search, and I welcome Dr. Lewis to the IALR Team. She steps into this role with an action-oriented leadership style focused on regional collaboration and supporting workforce pathways through education. I am excited for Dr. Lewis to join our resilient and dedicated colleagues in IALR’s Advanced Learning division, and we look forward to working with her.” – John H. Hughes IV, Ed.D., Executive Vice President, Operations, 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 within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
The November 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will observe its annual holiday closure beginning Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Our campus will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
During this time, all facilities and services will be closed, including:
We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
The IALR team wishes you a safe and joyful holiday season with friends and family.
As we celebrate this holiday season and prepare to welcome a new year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our partners, the people and organizations we serve, and the entire Southern Virginia community.
Together, we’ve made incredible strides in advancing innovation, workforce development and economic growth. The impact of our collective work is changing lives and reaching far beyond our region.
This season serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of intentionally investing in one another. May your holidays be filled with peace, joy and meaningful time with family and friends.
I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build on this momentum in 2026 as we continue to drive innovation and create impactful opportunities for all.
Telly Tucker
President, IALR
Danville Community College (DCC) officially celebrated the launch of its new Diesel Technology Training Program with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 16 at the new training location at 120 Staton Ave, Ringgold. The event brought together students, stakeholders, industry partners, and local officials to mark the beginning of a new era in workforce training for Southern Virginia.
The ceremony featured remarks from DCC President Dr. Cornelius Johnson, VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Dore, DCC Vice President of Workforce Services Jessica Dalton, Ben Davenport of Davenport Energy and First Piedmont Corporation, and Telly Tucker, President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Following the program, guests gathered with students and faculty to cut the ribbon on the newly outfitted training facility.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marked a powerful step forward for our college and our community,” said Dr. Johnson. “This program not only provides cutting-edge training for our students, but also supports the region’s economic growth by preparing highly skilled technicians to meet industry demand.”
Vice President Dalton underscored the importance of the program’s industry alignment.
“This program was built in direct response to the workforce needs voiced by our regional employers,” said Dalton. “By training diesel technicians here at home, we’re creating career opportunities for our students while ensuring our local industries have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”
“There is an enormous shortage of diesel mechanics which has affected the ability of trucking, agriculture and grading equipment to operate efficiently,” said Mr. Davenport. “We are very proud to see our community college, DCC, step up to address this workforce training need. DCC’s role in the future workforce training needs for an ever-evolving skills requirement will continue to make our region a great place to do business.“
“Catalyzing a promising future for our region and citizens is what IALR is all about,” said Tucker. “This exemplary new training program offers yet another high-demand, well-paying career path, and I’m sure it will, over time, provide a sustainable pipeline for our region’s businesses. We are excited to play a role in supporting this critical endeavor of Dr. Johnson and his exceptional staff at DCC.”
The Diesel Technology Training Program is housed in a facility owned by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Foundation and outfitted with specialized equipment for hands-on training. Students in the program will gain practical skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel engines and equipment, preparing them for high-demand careers in transportation, logistics, and heavy equipment industries.
By celebrating this launch with community leaders, students, and partners, DCC reaffirmed its role as a Leader College for the region, driving workforce innovation and student success.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Montgomery County Public Schools and regional partners are proud to announce the launch of Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) Career Connections Labs in six middle schools across the Roanoke and New River Valley areas in GO Virginia Region 2.
Thanks to nearly $1 million in GO Virginia funding and over $500,000 in matching support from local and regional sources, each of these labs are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025:
“Expanding GO TEC into six additional Region 2 middle schools means thousands more students will gain early exposure to high-demand career fields. These labs give students hands-on experience with technologies that are shaping the future of work in Virginia. We’re excited to continue building momentum and reaching new communities.” – Angela Brown, GO TEC Director
GO TEC Career Connections Labs are designed to spark student interest in middle school by connecting classroom experiences directly to high-demand, high-wage career fields. The program introduces students to more than a dozen technology and engineering pathways, including Automation & Robotics, Precision Machining, Healthcare Technologies, IT Coding & Networking, Metrology, and Welding.
These labs are standardized across the Commonwealth, ensuring that all students receive hands-on, industry-relevant training that builds awareness of in-demand careers.
“We are delighted to add GO Virginia Region 2 to the GO TEC program. GO TEC is helping schools across Virginia connect education with workforce needs in a meaningful way. By exposing students to manufacturing, engineering and healthcare-related career pathways in middle school in an applied learning environment, we’re strengthening the talent pipeline and supporting long-term economic development growth. This expansion is a win for students, educators and employers alike.” – Telly Tucker, President, IALR
“Implementing the GO TEC Career Connection Lab at Christiansburg Middle School is a strategic step forward for workforce development in GO Virginia Region 2. This hands-on lab delivers quality career exploration in Advanced Manufacturing and other critical sectors. The initiative represents a critical investment in the Region’s future talent pipeline because its effectiveness is rooted in a unique, regionally collaborative model. Through this partnership, manufacturers and educators work together to build career awareness and prepare the next generation for high-demand occupational pathways right here in our community.” – Megan R. Atkinson, Ed.S.
Career & Technical Education & Business Partnerships Administrator
Montgomery County Public Schools“We’re pleased to see schools and industry partners across the New River Valley and Roanoke County step up to put the GO TEC program to work in these communities. Not only will this support key regional initiatives already underway to grow talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing and life sciences, it will change lives, opening students eyes to opportunities to grow great careers close to home.” – John Provo, Ph.D., Executive Director, Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement
The GO TEC program began as a pilot in Danville and Pittsylvania County in 2018. Today, the initiative is scaling across Virginia, with 76 schools projected to host labs during the 2025–26 academic year, reaching over 11,000 middle school students annually.
Even as schools in Roanoke and the New River Valley come online, IALR and its partners are actively working with leaders and educators in GO Virginia Region 2 and other regions of the Commonwealth to pursue new grants and funding opportunities. These efforts will ensure GO TEC continues to expand across the Commonwealth, preparing students across Virginia to explore career pathways that lead to strong postsecondary outcomes and economic growth for their communities.
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.
The September 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with President Telly Tucker and Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, leadership and the mission of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. From managing exponential expansion to filling workforce gaps, Tucker and Hughes reflect on how IALR continues to transform lives in Southern Virginia and beyond. Along the way, they share candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the people who make it all possible.
This episode offers a thoughtful look behind the curtain at IALR’s momentum, future regional economic transformation, leadership in action, and how innovation takes shape across research, manufacturing, workforce and education.
DANVILLE, Va. (July 31, 2025) – Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) recently celebrated its 1,000th program completer, highlighting the program’s continued success in building the defense workforce.
Glenn Claypool was recognized as the 1,000th program completer and joined fellow students in celebrating the cohort’s completion of the 16-week rigorous workforce training. Claypool discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor’s degree in business management and working in sales before deciding to pursue qualifications in non-destructive testing.
“ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,” said Claypool. “It’s not just a job, it’s a path that has equipped me with skills that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Created to support defense manufacturing initiatives across the United States and supply workers for the maritime industrial base, ATDM is well on its way toward its goal of 800-1,000 skilled tradespeople completing the program each year.
“Reaching 1,000 ATDM graduates bolsters a skilled workforce that our maritime industrial base needs urgently,” said Matt Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base Program. “ATDM graduates are contributing directly to building and sustaining our Fleet. As we scale this proven model nationwide, we’re helping our maritime industrial base develop the workforce needed to maintain maritime superiority for generations to come.”
Will Kaisen, the student speaker for cohort 17, speaks during the ATDM Completion Ceremony.
Graduating students complete 600 hours of intensive, hands-on training over 16 weeks, earning certifications in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades. These are high-paying careers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.
“ATDM’s Maritime Training Center is a vital component of the work we do at IALR to support and pioneer new accelerated training methods that build the future workforce for defense, maritime and advanced manufacturing,” said Telly Tucker, president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans addressed the finishing cohort at their completion ceremony, highlighting her unique connection to ATDM’s purpose as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, as well as being a Navy veteran herself and the wife of a Navy veteran.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans speaks during the completion ceremony for the 17th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM).
“This year the ATDM program is celebrating another major milestone, its 1,000th graduate, and that number represents the 1,000 men and women trained with the specialized skills needed to rebuild American manufacturing and support our defense industrial base, and that’s something to be proud of,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Graduates of this program are not just entering a workforce; you are stepping into a mission. Whether you’re heading to shipyards, maritime manufacturing facilities or defense plants across the country – your work will directly impact our national security.”
A distinguishing feature of the ATDM program is that students are prepared for the workforce beyond technical training. ATDM staff assist with resume development, interview preparation and direct employer connections, leading to an 85% employment rate for completers within a month of finishing the program. ATDM partners with more than 200 employers across the United States for job placement as well as job training, a strong indicator of the program’s success.
“ATDM has been a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts. The program consistently turns out graduates who are not just technically capable, but ready to contribute from day one,” said Kristi Rowe, people director at Keel. “One of our recent hires has already made a strong impression in his welding role—bringing precision, confidence, and a solid grasp of quality standards. What really stands out is how well ATDM’s training aligns with the real-world demands of our work. It makes the transition from training to the job smooth and effective. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.”
“I’ve met people from a wide range of backgrounds, different cultures, life experiences, education levels and career paths, but the one thing we all share is that we came to ATDM looking for new skills and opportunities,” said Claypool.
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About ATDM
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the qualifications needed to secure great-paying, in-demand defense industry jobs in these skilled trades: Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Non-Destructive Testing, Quality Control Inspection (also known as Metrology) and Welding. For additional information, visit https://atdm.org/.
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 within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) proudly shares that Dr. Julie Brown, IALR’s Vice President of Advanced Learning, has been awarded the WE Lead Award from the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet hosted at the IALR Conference Center on May 30.
The Chamber’s WE Lead program, which stands for Women Empowered, provides access to dynamic programs designed to develop leadership skills and build professional networks for women in business. This prestigious honor celebrates a transformative leader who has shown extraordinary dedication and service to Danville and Pittsylvania County.
Knyla Harris Photography
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition from WE Lead and the Chamber. As a product of numerous empowered women who have supported and mentored me during my life and professional career, I hope I can pay that forward to the next generation of women leaders.” – Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR
Dr. Brown has led the implementation and sustainability of many visionary programs and initiatives that have significantly impacted Southern Virginia and the entire Commonwealth. She has spearheaded the execution and expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, which is on track to serve 73 schools and reach over 11,000 students annually by the 2025–2026 academic year.
“Julie Brown’s leadership spans sectors, generations and communities. She is a visionary leader who lifts others, creates opportunities and inspires progress. For her impact and her approach to serving her community, Julie is more than deserving of this WE Lead Award.” – Anne Moore-Sparks, President and CEO, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Brown has driven the success of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, which logged over 16,000 service hours last year as one of Virginia’s largest AmeriCorps service-learning programs. Over 10 years ago, she spearheaded the creation of the annual Career ChoICE Youth Expo, now serving over 4,500 students annually across two locations. Dr. Brown leads a high-caliber team that, just last year, served over 14,500 STEM learners and connected 46 interns and 50 apprentices to regional employers. Her excellence has been recognized with the Danville Hometown Hero Award, a gubernatorial appointment to the Virginia Workforce Board and selection and induction into the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship.
Brown is a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Southside as well as statewide programs like the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and Lead Virginia. She serves on numerous boards, including the Center for Early Success, Sovah Health, the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board and the Danville Public Schools Education Foundation. Her commitment to civic engagement extends to her longtime active membership in Riverview Rotary, the Wednesday Club and the Legislative Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
“Dr. Julie Brown is a leader and innovator with a tireless commitment to creating opportunities for others. She brings vision, energy and a deep passion to everything she does. Julie is an incredible asset to IALR and Southern Virginia.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
Knyla Harris Photography
Linda Green, IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, received the inaugural WE Lead Award in 2024 and presented Dr. Brown’s award during the 2025 Chamber Annual Awards Banquet.
The WE Lead Award was Dr. Brown’s second award of the night. She and her family also received the Chamber’s Pinnacle Small Business Award for 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co., which she helped to co-found.
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.
