Staff Members

​Rick Sanders

President and Director of ISU Research Park

The Iowa State University Research Park has seen tremendous growth in Rick’s tenure as President and Director. Today the Park is the professional home for more than 130 companies, 2,500 employees and 400 student interns on our growing campus of 20 buildings on 550 acres.

Sanders has an extensive professional background that includes working in local government, association management, business development and higher education.  He brings a solution-oriented view to the teams he serves.

Rick and his wife Calli have lived in Ames since 2003 after stops in Alabama, Montana and Maine.  They are the proud parents of 3 adult children and one grandchild. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, ISU sporting events and quiet time on the deck.

Contact: rsanders@iastate.edu

Cell: (515) 708-0158

Alison Doyle

Associate Director of ISU Research Park

Alison joined the Iowa State University Research Park in 2008 after spending ten years working in advertising agencies and start-up companies. She leads the ISU Research Park’s marketing, communications, public relations, events, and community-building efforts. She also serves as a liaison for the ISU Research Park companies as they look to build and strengthen relationships with ISU.

A proud ISU graduate, she returned to Ames after previously living in Missouri, Vermont, California, Washington, Germany, and England. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, riding her bike, teaching and practicing yoga, and attending sporting events.

Contact: adoyle@iastate.edu

Stacy Dreyer

Associate Director of Corporate Engagement

We would like to welcome Stacy Dreyer, our newest staff member. Stacy is the Associate Director of Corporate Engagement at the ISU Research Park. She recently served as the Associate State Director of America’s SBDC Iowa as a member of the leadership team of a statewide organization that assists entrepreneurs through every phase of their journey. Her primary areas of leadership were marketing and outreach, federal and grant reporting, and project management.

She has a passion for small business development and community involvement, serving on many non-profit and business organization executive boards throughout the Ames community.

Contact: sdreyer@iastate.edu

Michele Farnham

Manager of Facilities Services

Michele started working at the Iowa State University Research Park in 1995. She manages the physical operations of the landscaped grounds, parking lots and buildings, including maintenance, custodial and grounds personnel. She is also the primary communication liaison between tenants and the ISU Research Park, helping determine facility and service needs for all.

Michele has seen the ISU Research Park grow from two buildings to the current expansion. She is excited to see the continued growth as the park reaches new heights.

When she’s not at work, Michele enjoys being active. She also enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

 Contact: mfarnham@iastate.edu

 

​Kyle Martin

Operations Manager

Kyle recently joined the Iowa State University Research Park as Operations Manager. He is responsible for overseeing the development & operation of all tenant spaces through collaborative interaction with contractors, engineers, and vendors to meet the growing needs of The Park.

He is a proud Ames native and ISU alumni with experience in operations, procurement, property management, contracting, and project management. Kyle enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife and newborn daughter, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

Contact: kmartin5@iastate.edu

Marty Noe

Maintenance Technician

Marty Noe started with the ISURP in fall of 2020 as the Building Services Maintenance Technician. Marty served 12 years in the National Guard. His service in the military has equipped him for his position at the Research Park. Marty’s background is in manufacturing and maintenance.

When Marty is not at the Research Park, he spends time with his kids and perfecting his craft woodworking in Gilbert, Iowa.

Contact: mnoe@iastate.edu

Rebecca Williams

Office Manager

The majority of Becky’s working career has been spent in executive support roles in a variety of industries; Insurance, Agriculture, and City and State Education. Becky started at Iowa State in 2000 at the College of Veterinarian Medicine. She also worked at the Ames Community School District for 9 years. In 2013 she returned to Iowa State in the President’s office and transitioned over to EDIR which lead her to her current role with the Research Park in 2019.

Growing up in South Dakota and having lived in Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas, Becky and her husband Shane have lived in Ames since 2000.  They have 2 adult children and 1 grandchild. They love spending time with family and friends and being at their cabin in Northern Minnesota.

Contact: becky@iastate.edu 

Heather Bray

Corporate Engagement Specialist

Heather joined the Iowa State University Research Park in July of 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and, over the years, has gained experience through her work in office management and volunteering for many school and community organizations. She has a strong interest in helping others and developing programs that benefit the community. She looks forward to the opportunities and experiences that will be provided through her employment with the Iowa State University Research Park.

Heather and her family moved to Ames in 2009, and they quickly became Cyclone fans. Throughout the years of raising her two children, they’ve especially enjoyed Saturday football games. She is also an avid supporter of Ames High Little Cyclones athletics and activities.

Hobbies for Heather include attending live music events, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. 

Contact: hbray@iastate.edu 

Morganne Dennis

Adminstrative Assistant

Morganne is an ISU alumni and Iowa native. She has spent fifteen years in the food service industry in various leadership roles and is excited to provide administration support while exploring opportunities and building connections around the Research Park.

Morganne currently lives in Ames with her husband and poodle. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and cooking for friends. She also enjoys attending barre classes at Ames Fitness Center.

Contact: mndooley@iastate.edu

Kiley Allan

Communications and Marketing Intern

Kiley Allan grew up on a small, purebred farrow-to-finish and cow/calf operation in Le Mars, IA. There she developed a passion for the communication and marketing of the livestock industry, which has led her to study Agricultural Communication and Animal Science at Iowa State University. Kiley enjoys her time on campus growing personally and professionally, as she participates in Collegiate Cattlemen, Swine Production Advocates (SPA), National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT). She enjoys spending her free time with friends and family relaxing on the lake, watching sports, listening to music, or hanging around the barn.

 

Contact: kallan@iastate.edu

Sidney Hansen

Communications and Marketing Intern

Sydney Hansen is a junior in Agricultural Studies, with an emphasis in Agronomy, Animal Science, and Business Marketing. She was born and raised a diehard Iowa State fan and enjoys cheering on the Cyclones. Sidney is involved in Student Alumni Leadership Council, and Sorority and Fraternity Engagement on campus.

 

Contact: sidneyh2@iastate.edu

Breanna Selsor

Communications and Marketing Intern

Breanna is a sophomore in Agricultural Communications and International Agriculture. She grew up in Osceola, Iowa, and is involved in the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) club and competitive team, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, and Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority. In her free time, Breanna enjoys reading, taking pictures, and traveling.

Breanna is excited about joining the Research Park and hopes to contribute her skills and knowledge to the team. She looks forward to building relationships and diversifying her skillset.

 

Contact: brselsor@iastate.edu

Lauren Anderson

Graphic Design Intern

Lauren is a junior studying Graphic Design at Iowa State University. She is involved in the honors program and orientation at Iowa State. Lauren is originally from Ames, and has been a Cyclone fan all her life. She enjoys photography, trying new foods, and playing tennis in her free time.

Lauren is excited to develop relationships with staff and contribute to design collateral at the Research Park.

Contact: laurand@iastate.edu

Shay Olthoff

Communications and Markeitng Intern

Shay is a senior at Iowa State studying Public Relations and Event Management. She is originally from Okoboji, Iowa and found her passion for public relations through the prevalent tourism industry in her hometown. Shay enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and spending time at the lake in her free time.

Shay is eager to develop her skillset and build relationships with professionals and other student interns.

Contact: solthoff@iastate.edu

Ike Alexander

Communications and Marketing Intern

 

Ike is a junior at Creighton University, studying Accounting and Marketing. He is actively involved in the Dean’s Fellows program, and community service, and works as a campus tour guide. Born and raised in Ames, Ike enjoys skiing, selling shoes, hiking, biking, and working out in his free time.

Ike is eager to forge new connections and produce podcasts featuring emerging leaders in the community

Contact: ike186@iastate.edu