Three employees from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) recently completed Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) training, an intensive program designed to equip professionals with advanced tools and leadership skills for driving operational excellence.

The training, hosted by the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism in partnership with GENEDGE, ran from August through November and culminated in a graduation ceremony on Nov. 14 at IALR. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification empowers participants to lead projects that reduce waste, enhance efficiency and improve quality across operations. Course topics included advanced statistical analysis, process mapping and improvement, root cause analysis, design of experiments and strategies for sustainable operational excellence.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Graduates

The following IALR employees earned their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification:

  • Wesley Cifers, Assistant Director, Advanced Training & Operations
  • Stewart East, Senior Facilities Manager
  • Andrew Williams, Materials Planner/Scheduler

Through this training, these employees gained the expertise to identify inefficiencies, implement data-driven solutions and drive continuous improvement, skills that will strengthen IALR’s mission to drive economic transformation across Southern Virginia.

“Utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles and processes allows me to manage programs and projects in the most effective and efficient way within our rapidly growing Manufacturing Advancement department.” – Wesley Cifers, Assistant Director, Advanced Training & Operations

Wesley Cifers, Assistant Director, Advanced Training & Operations

“Managing a campus of this size means we’re constantly looking for ways to streamline processes and reduce downtime. Lean Six Sigma gives me the tools to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that keep our facilities operating at the highest level for staff, students and partners.” – Stewart East, Senior Facilities Manager

Stewart East, Senior Facilities Manager

“The Center for Manufacturing Advancement is all about helping manufacturers innovate and grow. This training equips me to apply data-driven strategies that improve workflows and deliver even greater value to the companies we work with.” – Andrew Williams, Materials Planner/Scheduler

Andrew Williams, Materials Planner/Scheduler

“At IALR, we believe that investing in our people is the key to organizational success. We dedicate significant resources to professional development, whether through programs like Lean Six Sigma, supporting degree pursuits or hosting our annual staff development day. Our goal is to empower employees to grow, lead and innovate, and we’re proud to create an environment where career development is a priority.” – LaShaun Graham, Vice President, Human Resources, 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.