Staff Members

Rick was named President and Director in May 2019 after a nationwide search. He is responsible for all aspects of the development and operation of the ISU Research Park that today includes 400 acres; 800,000 square feet of finished commercial space; hosts more than 90 companies from startups to Fortune 500 companies; and is home to more than 2,000 employees.

Sanders has an extensive professional background that includes working in local government, association management, business development and higher education.

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. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, ISU sporting events and quiet time on the deck.

Contact: rsanders@iastate.edu

Cell: (515) 708-0158

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

Buffy joined the ISU Research Park team as the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications in September 2022. She is responsible for the marketing efforts of Research Park, including all print and digital marketing, social media, event management and mentors a great team of interns. Buffy has a passion for all things creative and enjoys strategic planning to help elevate and differentiate brands.

Outside the office, Buffy enjoys time at the lake with family and friends and teaches fitness classes for fun and to stay active.

Contact: bclatt@iastate.edu

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 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 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 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

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 

Bethany is an ISU Alumni and Ames native who recently joined the Research Park team as an Administrative Assistant. A passion for helping others succeed has led her through ten years of customer centric roles in a variety of industries; Agriculture, E-commerce, hospitality, technology and healthcare. Bethany has previously enjoyed being an active member of employee engagement groups and is looking forward to bringing her enthusiasm to ISURP.

After adventuring in Colorado for 4 years, Bethany returned to her Ames roots in 2020. Over the years, she has treasured her time assisting her father with his local businesses. In Bethany’s free time, she enjoys hiking, participating in Bike MS, traveling, skiing and spending time with her 4 nieces.

Contact: bzeman@iastate.edu

Reagan joined the ISU Research Park as an intern in November of 2022. She is currently a junior at Iowa State majoring in Agricultural Communications and minoring in Animal Science. Reagan grew up in Manchester, Iowa, and is involved in the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) club and competitive team on campus.

Reagan is eager to develop relationships with staff and encounter the growth and expansions at Research Park.

Contact: rcdolan@iastate.edu

 

Sara is a senior studying Agricultural Communications and is originally from Unionville, Missouri, where she was raised on her family’s farm. Sara brings a variety of agricultural knowledge and professional experiences to our team.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to livestock shows across the Midwest, spending time at the lake with family and cheering on the Cyclones and Kansas City Chiefs.

Contact: sjgillum@iastate.edu

 

Hailey is currently a sophomore studying Agricultural Communications & International Agriculture with a minor in Animal Science. She is originally from Eldridge, Iowa, and is an active member of the Iowa State community participating in organizations such as Sigma Alpha, CALS Council, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Ambassadors, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club.

Hailey is grateful for this opportunity to intern with the ISU Research Park and is excited to advance her career as a young professional through this experience.  

Contact: hr1@iastate.edu