SOVA Fab Lab Liaison Committee

The SOVA Fab Lab Liaison Committee includes leaders from local governments and partner organizations in Southern Virginia. These volunteers help connect the SOVA Fab Lab to the people and communities it serves.

Purpose & Role

This group helps guide the SOVA Fab Lab as it is built and launched. Committee members:

  • Share ideas and give feedback to increase positive impact

  • Help connect the SOVA Fab Lab to local schools, businesses, and groups

  • Support ideation and development of SOVA Fab Lab programs that meet community needs

  • Share updates with their communities and help build partnerships across the region.

Meeting Structure & Frequency

The SOVA Fab Lab Liaison Committee will meet at least twice a year for in-person “Lunch & Learn” sessions, which include:

  • Project updates and open discussion

  • Tours of the SOVA Fab Lab space as it evolves

  • Hands-on previews and demonstrations once the SOVA Fab Lab opens 

  • Networking and knowledge-sharing with other regional leaders

There will also be occasional virtual meetings to stay connected and share updates between in-person sessions.

Committee Members

Each member brings unique skills, local knowledge, and a passion for helping others. We’re thankful for their support of the SOVA Fab Lab. We’re proud to introduce the individuals helping to shape the future of the SOVA Fab Lab:

  • Scott Simpson, PE, Administrator, Halifax County, Virginia
  • Dan Witt, Administrator, Charlotte County, Virginia
  • Angie Kellet, Director of Economic Development, Mecklenburg County, Virginia
  • Matthew Candland, Town Manager, Town of South Boston, Virginia
  • Carl Espy, Town Manager, Town of Halifax, Virginia
  • Linda Green, Executive Director, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance
  • David Denny, Executive Director, Virginia Growth Alliance
    1. Melanie Hastings, CTE Director, Halifax County Public Schools
    2. David Kenealy, Chief Workforce Training Officer, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (home of ProductWorks@SVHEC)
    3. Bradley Overby, Director of ProductWorks@SVHEC
    4. Adam Reeves, Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, Career Tech Academy at Southern Virginia Higher Education Center 
    5. Christie Hart, IT Instructor, Career Tech Academy at Southern Virginia Higher Education Center 
    6. Krystal Patton, Director of Communications, Southside Virginia Community College
    7. Sheri McGuire, Executive Director, Longwood Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) and Associate Vice President of Community & Economic Development, Longwood University (home of the SEED Innovation Hub)
    8. Tiffani Underwood, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Patrick & Henry Community College (home of the Dalton IDEA Center/Fab Lab in Martinsville and the Mini-Fab Lab in Stuart, Patrick County)
    9. Alisha Rice, Director of Operations, Tri-County Community Action Agency and Committee Member, Halifax Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs
    10. Justin Smith, Conservation Specialist, Halifax Soil and Water Conservation District
    11. Laura Coleman, Entrepreneurial Impact Manager, Community Investment Collaborative (RISE Collaborative partner) 
    12. Adam Goebel, Executive Director, Danville Science Center (home of the Creativity Lab)
    13. Tina Manglicmot, Ed.D., Executive Director, CodeVA
    14. Jeremy Satterfield, TechSpark Manager, Microsoft

    Learn More 

    Want to see what the SOVA Fab Lab is all about? Visit sovainnovationhub.com/fab-lab to learn more.

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