Leadership & Staff

Together, our Board and staff form a dedicated team advancing innovation, championing workforce development, and nurturing a thriving ecosystem of startups, researchers, and industry partners at the ISU Research Park.

Board of Directors

The ISU Research Park Board of Directors combines university leadership, industry veterans, and community partners to guide the Park’s vision and mission. This experienced board ensures strategic alignment with Iowa State University goals and broader economic development initiatives.

About the Board

• Appointed by Iowa State University and the ISU Foundation
• Provide governance, foster partnerships, and support long-term planning
• Advocate for research-based innovation and community impact

Board of Directors

• Dr. Matt Darr, Professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
• Deborah Durham, Director, IEDA/Executive Director, IFA
• Ron Hallenbeck, ISU Foundation Board Representative
• Warren R. Madden, Facilities and Finance Committee, ISU Research Park Corporation, Secretary/Treasurer
• Eric Peterson, Facilities and Finance Committee, President, Summit Agricultural Group
• Paul Rupprecht, Executive Vice President, R&R Realty Group
• Steve Schuler, Facilities and Finance Committee, Chair, ISU Research Park Corporation, Vice Chairperson
• Dr. Brent Shanks, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
• David Spalding, Board Chair, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations/Director of Ivy Investment Banking Initiative/Professor
• Dr. Peter Dorhout, Vice President for Research, Iowa State University
• Dr. Laura Jolly, Dean, College of Human Sciences
• Sean Reeder, SVP for Operations & Finance

Ex-Officio Members

• Rick Sanders, President, ISU Research Park, ISU Economic Development Core Facility
• Dan Culhane, President & CEO, Ames Regional Economic Alliance

Legal Counsel

• David Ginger, Belin McCormick, P.C.

Park Leadership & Services

Rick Sanders – President & Director 

Alison Doyle – Associate Director 

Stacy Dreyer – Associate Director of Corporate Engagement

Michele Farnham – Facilities Manager 

Marty Noe – Maintenance Technician 

Rebecca Williams – Office Manager

Heather Bray – Corporate Engagement Specialist

Morganne Dennis, Administrative Assistant

Communications & Marketing Intern Team

Each year, a select group of ISU students join our communications and marketing team, bringing fresh perspectives and hands-on experience. Current interns include:

• Breanna Selsor – Agricultural Communications
• Elaina Rosonke – Marketing & PR Minor
• Avery Smith – Marketing, Event Management
• Annabelle Wadle – Public Relations & Event Planning
• Faith Lindenfelser – Advertising & Digital Media
• Lauren Anderson – Graphic Design & Business Minor
• Makaela Riggs – Graphic Design & Creative Media
• These interns support our outreach efforts, content creation, and community engagement