The Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board has 11 new members and a new structure aimed at supporting presidential priorities and drawing on the deep expertise of engaged alumni who want to serve the university.
“With more than 260,000 living alumni, we have a network of talent we must draw on to be successful. It’s important that our decisions are informed by an alumni voice. More of our alumni must be involved strategically as we move forward,” said Charlie Phlegar, senior vice president for advancement and executive vice president of the alumni association board. “Our new members and new board organization will advance the vision of President Tim Sands and the Board of Visitors.”
The changes come after a task force review last year that examined the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board. The task force included the board’s executive committee, current and former members of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, Virginia Tech Foundation board of directors, the Virginia Tech Campaign Steering Committee, and the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.
The board’s new committee structure focuses on high level topics and priorities. The structure is intended to elevate the top presidential priorities, including the Virginia Tech Advantage and Virginia Tech’s aspiration to become a top 100 global research university. They committees are
- Executive Committee: Governance, Membership, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- University Strategic Priorities and Issues Committee
- Engagement Committee
- Development Committee
- Communications and Marketing Committee
New alumni board members have a valuable role to play and bring to the table a crucial breadth of experiences and expertise. Alumni recruited to the board best fit the new structure and are prepared to engage in impactful work.
“I am thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Nathan Lavinka ’11, president of the alumni board. “They are among our most passionate Hokies and bring with them deep experience in business, industry, and leadership. I know they will bring an important perspective to the table to help shape the university.”
Eleven new members were elected to the board in June and will serve July 1, 2023-June 30, 2026. They are:
- Nelson Chu ’88, College of Engineering
- Lynne Doughtie ’85, Pamplin College of Business
- Jake Lutz ’78, Pamplin College of Business
- Sharon Martin ’83, ’88, College of Engineering
- Robby Moser ’97, College of Engineering
- Seyi Olusina ’18, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Debbie Petrine ’78, Pamplin College of Business
- Mike Quillen ’70, ’71, College of Engineering
- Ray Smoot ’69, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
- Horacio Valeiras ’80, College of Engineering
- Minoka Yonts ’13, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
To learn more about the board and its members, visit the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board website.
