The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) announced two of its staff members were appointed to state boards by Gov. Ralph Northam.
Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning, will serve on the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.
Troy Simpson, Director of Advanced Manufacturing, will serve on the Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Commission.
“IALR is fortunate to benefit from the outstanding leadership of Julie and Troy,” said Mark Gignac, executive director of IALR. “I am thrilled that our Commonwealth will share in the riches of their expertise and knowledge as they champion STEM and workforce development.”
Brown’s leadership in federal grant reporting, program development and fiscal accountability have helped launch talent development initiatives like IALR’s AmeriCorps program, the SOVA Career Choice Youth Expo and more. She has worked for a public research university, two community colleges and regional K-12 districts. Among other projects and programs, she currently oversees management of the GO Virginia-funded Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers talent development program. Brown also provides management services to the Dan River Region Collaborative, a regional workforce development partnership. She serves on numerous boards, including the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board.
Simpson has played an integral role in shaping the region’s advanced manufacturing talent pipeline. He formerly led this field’s curriculum development at Danville Community College (DCC) and worked in design, tool and die making, and machining for the public and private sectors. Simpson’s industry partnerships have resulted in more than $3 million of support for advanced manufacturing programs. He also has successfully managed more than $8 million of grants to support these programs. Simpson spearheaded the development of DCC’s Metrology program and the Integrated Machining Technology cohort at IALR’s Haas Center. He also advises area manufacturing curriculum.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with advanced learning, applied research, 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 along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
