Speakers Bureau

Looking for experts? Our faculty members are ready to talk to you on a variety of subjects — including economic impact, strategic planning, grant development, entrepreneurship, workforce, and tourism.

For more information, give us a call at 540-231-1511.

Dylan Andrews
Economic Development Specialist
Areas of Expertise:
• Childcare solutions
• Rural development issues

Sarah Lyon-Hill
Director for Research Development
Areas of Expertise:
• Economic impact
• Organization strategic planning
• Grant development
• Social and economic impact

Allison Mays
Director of the Southwest Center
Areas of Expertise:
• Arts, Culture and Outdoor Recreation
• Creative Economy / Tourism
• Rural Economic Development
• Grant Development
• Nonprofit Leadership
• Government Relations
• Rural Leadership
• Rural Health
• Community and Civic Engagement
• Placemaking

Afroze Mohammed
Associate Director of Strategic Alliances
Areas of Expertise:
• Technology-based economic development
• Entrepreneurship
• University-industry and university-community partnerships

Ashley Posthumus
Economic Development Specialist
Areas of Expertise:
• Workforce
• Tourism
• Entrepreneurship

John Provo
Executive Director
Areas of Expertise:
• Remote/hybrid work
• Regional economic transformation
• University-based economic development

Scott Tate
Associate Director for Community Innovations
Areas of Expertise:
• Economic opportunity and innovative communities
• Place-based development
• Community and civic engagement

Elli Travis
Senior Economic Development Specialist
Areas of Expertise:
• Evaluation
• Impact measurement
• Participatory planning and development

Jemma Sabokrouh
Program Manager for GO Virginia Region 2 and Region 2 Internship Collaborative
Areas of Expertise:
• Education
• Leadership

Mallory Tuttle
Associate Director, Newport News Center
Areas of Expertise:
• Hospitality and tourism
• Grant development
• Project management
• Workforce development