Dean's Advisory Council serves as a conduit for the advancement of the college
March 27, 2024
Composed of approximately 20 volunteers who attend in-person meetings twice a year on a Virginia Tech campus, the Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC) serves to advance the college by providing advice, access, advocacy, and philanthropic investment in support of the dean’s strategic objectives.
The DAC may be asked to provide counsel on programmatic opportunities, weigh in on priorities and initiatives, bring stakeholder concerns to the attention of the dean, provide access to individuals and organizations who can elevate and impact the college, strengthen the alumni network, and assist with fundraising.
In the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), council members champion the college and their department constituencies. Most are Virginia Tech and CNRE alumni, and all are dedicated and devoted members of the Hokie family who have distinguished themselves in both their professional endeavors and personal integrity.
Don Bright ’98
President and CEO of Meherrin River Forest Products
Dan Cumbo ’98, M.S. ’99
President of Beasley Flooring Products
Tom Fox M.S. ’84
Emeritus Professor of Forestry at Virginia Tech (retired)
Travis Hardy ’02
Senior Manager, Location Intelligence at Deloitte Advisory
Easton Loving ’89, M.S. ’91
Regional Fiber Supply Manager at WestRock
Debbie McDonald ’77, M.A. ’99
School Counselor with Fairfax County Public Schools (retired)
Steve Michael ’73
President and CEO of Spartanburg Forest Products (retiring)
Patty Mims M.S. ’94
Corporate Director, Global National Government, at Esri
Steve Moyer M.S. ’84
Former Vice President for Government Affairs of Trout Unlimited (retired)
Jay Phaup ’81
Wood Procurement Supervisor at Greif
Steve Prisley ’80, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’89
Principal Research Scientist with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement
Bettina Ring ’86
State Director for Virginia of The Nature Conservancy
Lisa Schabenberger ’93, M.S. ’93
Program coordinator in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at N.C. State (retired)
Steve Yelland
CEO of JFR Holdings
Jim Youngblood ’77
Owner of American Woodlands