The September 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- IALR Supporting Industrial Fermentation
- CMA Achieves ISO Certification
- IALR Interns Make a Real Impact
- Much more!
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.
IALR May 2022 Newsletter
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.
