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.

Headshot of Don Bright

Don Bright ’98

President and CEO of Meherrin River Forest Products

Headshot of Dan Cumbo

Dan Cumbo ’98, M.S. ’99

President of Beasley Flooring Products

Headshot of Tom Fox

Tom Fox M.S. ’84

Emeritus Professor of Forestry at Virginia Tech (retired)

Headshot of Travis Hardy

Travis Hardy ’02

Senior Manager, Location Intelligence at Deloitte Advisory

Headshot of Easton Loving

Easton Loving ’89, M.S. ’91

Regional Fiber Supply Manager at WestRock

Headshot of Debbie McDonald

Debbie McDonald ’77, M.A. ’99

School Counselor with Fairfax County Public Schools (retired)

Headshot of Steve Michael

Steve Michael ’73

President and CEO of Spartanburg Forest Products (retiring)

Headshot of Patty Mims

Patty Mims M.S. ’94

Corporate Director, Global National Government, at Esri

Headshot of Steve Moyer

Steve Moyer M.S. ’84

Former Vice President for Government Affairs of Trout Unlimited (retired)

Headshot of Jay Phaup

Jay Phaup ’81

Wood Procurement Supervisor at Greif

Headshot of Steve Prisley

Steve Prisley ’80, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’89

Principal Research Scientist with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement

Headshot of Bettina Ring

Bettina Ring ’86

State Director for Virginia of The Nature Conservancy

Headshot of Lisa Schabenberger

Lisa Schabenberger ’93, M.S. ’93

Program coordinator in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at N.C. State (retired)

Headshot of Steve Yelland

Steve Yelland

CEO of JFR Holdings

Headshot of Jim Youngblood

Jim Youngblood ’77

Owner of American Woodlands