Telly Tucker, the President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is one of 60 participants in the 2025 cohort of Lead Virginia, a prestigious leadership development program.
Lead Virginia, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, operates on the principle of social capital. Each year, it brings together a select group of senior-level professionals committed to advancing Virginia’s future. Through immersive experiences in various regions of the state, participants engage directly with local and state leaders to explore responses to critical issues in the areas of economy, education and health.
The program fosters a network of leaders who transcend professional boundaries to collaborate on solutions for Virginia’s betterment. Throughout the year, participants visit different regions of Virginia, culminating in a session in the Richmond area and graduation. Each session immerses participants in a new region, providing the opportunity to interact directly with local and state leaders to explore unique concerns and potential solutions.
As President, Tucker has led IALR through a period of substantial growth to more than 150 employees and has helped develop a national reputation for delivering manufacturing training and technology development initiatives in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense. Tucker serves on various civic and professional boards and holds the prestigious Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation. For four consecutive years, he has been named to the Virginia 500 Power List of most powerful and influential leaders in business, government, politics and education.
Tucker is among several distinguished leaders from across Southern Virginia who have been selected to participate in the Lead Virginia program. Other regional participants include:
Dan Hayes, Executive Director, Community Foundation of the Dan River Region
Cassie Jones, Associate Vice President of University Marketing and Communications, Averett University
Angelika Matczak, President & CEO, SBA Home NC
Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement, Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation
Susan McCulloch, Division Director of Housing & Development, City of Danville
Andrew Palmer, Vice President, The Lester Group Inc.
Nick Setliff, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, First Piedmont Corporation
Each of these individuals exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing Southern Virginia’s interests and driving meaningful progress for the region.
