EDA recognizes that institutions of higher education are critical players in the development of vibrant economic ecosystems. Universities are sources of significant economic development assets that can support regional economic growth.The purpose of EDA’s University Center program is to enable institutions of higher education and consortia of these institutions to establish and operate University Centers (UCs) focused on leveraging university assets to build regional economic ecosystems that support innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship, resiliency, and inclusiveness. Starting in 1980, EDA-funded UCs responded to the needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers and processors for technology transfer and commercialization assistance. More recently, some UCs have been providing resources and guidance on how to create a digitally inclusive economy while others are working with stakeholders in their regions to address economic impacts from the closure of major plants.

Leading client projects as part of a vibrant innovation team, I oversee the Center for Innovation at RCBI Huntington. Our team navigates from design-to-product with cutting edge equipment and tech, design engineering, process considerations, and manufacture. From overseeing the Maker Vault -full of the latest CNC and 3D printing technology available- to coordinating our educational STEM programs, workshops, festivals, competitions, and events; my objectives are operational, educational, and development centric. The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) offers education in trade-skills, product/business development, as well as services and equipment use for businesses and individuals. The Maker Space and STEM education programs serve as an important on-ramp for youth, entrepreneurs, and makers, who are looking to rub elbows with like-minded creatives; for youth who are looking to team-build in a Lego Robotics or VEX Robotics competition, for makers across West Virginia and abroad, to participate in the thrilling annual West Virginia Makes Festival.

I head the digital and in-person marketing and outreach activities at Solar Holler, and wear lots of different hats in this fast-paced growth company. From jumping on a rooftop solar installation from time to time, to shipping and receiving, logistics, customer relationship management, and sales. After building out successful grass roots marketing, I transitioned to Sales, hiring developing and training our in-home sales teams. We are a full-fledged one-stop-shop for solar, from inquiry to installation; from free proposal, to financing, contracting, engineering, permitting, project direction, logistics, and installation. Find us at www.solarholler.com or drop me an email deacon@solarholler.com

Working with nonprofit workforce & educational training partners to create jobs, educational outcomes, and close in on solar dreams-come-true, we at Solar Holler accomplished the mission of making solar affordable and accessible to ALL. During my tenure we over doubled the size of the company and installed competitive practices leading to high sit-to-close rates; even when compared to national averages for solar companies. All while paying national-average competitive labor rates to installers; and we did it all in West Virginia! Expanding during my time to serve Ohio, identifying and customizing workflows and Customer Relations Management systems, we worked through complex challenges on a daily basis, growing an innovative growth-stage startup from the bottom up.

As president of Reclaim Appalachia enterprise, I work to connect the flow of fine architectural salvage from dilapidated houses and abandoned buildings throughout our region, into sales channels, and most importantly, into our 7000 square foot wood-shop for up-cycling. In our wood-shop program, young people from the coalfields of West Virginia get a paying job up-cycling and selling goods, while they work toward an associates degree, receive technical certifications and Life-Skills training. I oversee and manage project development for West Edge, a formerly abandoned 96,000 square foot factory on the west edge of Huntington, WV. Envisioned as a creative hub for arts and business incubation, we host a flexible space for community events and meetings, a business incubation space with library and meeting rooms, a solar power training facility, architectural salvage warehouse, shipping and receiving facilities, a high-tunnel greenhouse for Refresh Appalachia, Coalfield Development's enterprise related to agriculture.

Principal responsibilities include oversight and project direction for the upcoming creative hub project in Westmoreland West Virginia, accomplishing the renovation of a deserted factory into a series of artist live/work spaces, retail, gallery, community flexible space, warehouse, wood-shop, recording studio, and more. This includes acting as the community liaison, forming and growing relationships with entities local and abroad, increasing opportunities for small business and other ventures throughout the region as they relate to Coalfield Development's programs or the factory project as a whole, directing bids and contracts, overseeing site-work, facility management, etc. Program-centered responsibilities include providing up-cycling education for program participants, curriculum and educational oversight as it relates to design, art, function, and leading development discussions and presentations for program participants. Oversight of facility includes leasing and contracts, assistance with management of businesses in incubation/launch stages, scheduling venue use, etc.

As the Facility Operations & Supply Manager for Hospice of Huntington, I care for all facility and supply related needs for four satellite offices, our main business office, as well as the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House as needed. My facility operations philosophy is centered around intensive hands-on maintenance and communicative oversight of contractors and service workers. Management responsibilities include: project planning and implementation; logistics; service contract establishment, negotiation, and oversight; and preventative maintenance. My supply management philosophy is centered around planning and communication, and anticipating needs; the goal being, providing all things that are needed, and some things that are wanted. Primary responsibilities are related to requisitioning supplies and stock for all patient needs; this includes feedings, continence & catheterization, wound care, blood-draw, associated support goods, and much more. When more advanced specialty supplies are required (such as peritoneal/pleural drainage, dressings, specialty feedings, or advanced wound-care), I work intimately with suppliers and representatives to source needed specialty items at competitive prices, with predictable availability. Secondary responsibilities include office supply & equipment ordering, implementation and training, stock, and ongoing maintenance (primarily hands-on, and secondarily, scheduling equipment service when needed). Responsibilities described are undertaken in service to all satellite offices, and extend to the establishment of new office locations, including transferring or shutting down locations when needed.

Managed Purchase Orders, vendors, contractors, and permanent staff of 4 in addition to performing work orders on a daily basis. Repaired and performed rigorous preventative maintenance on both package and split HVAC systems, all appliances, windows, doors, plumbing, specialty electrical and troubleshooting, etc, for 208 apartments and town homes. Managed stock of all maintenance supplies, instituted preventative maintenance procedures for use on all properties owned by the overseeing management company. Created testing rigs for in-shop repair of Johnson/Air-ease/Armstrong mobile AC chassis’. Worked on call greater than 50% of the time, performed complete snow removal (including lots). Performed specialty electrical, as well as HVAC maintenance at other properties when necessary.More importantly, I managed to motivate and inspire my staff, to trim the workforce and accomplish more than ever before on the property, and saved tens of thousands of dollars per year on our overall maintenance and purchasing budget. During my tenure at the property in question, we went from occupancies in the high 70% to OVER 100% occupancy, complete with a long waiting-list.

Managed and maintained over 125 apartments and grounds (24 hour, on-call service), repaired all manner of interior and exterior features from plumbing and fixtures, HVAC units and systems, electrical, windows/doors and frames, and major appliance rebuilding and repair. Maintained occupied units, and made ready vacated units. Operated an out-door pool in summer, and removed snow/treated for ice in winter. Maintained parts/supplies inventories with major national maintenance suppliers, instituted a preventative maintenance program. Oversaw all work supplied by contractors, and supervised 2 part time helpers when necessary.

Provided full service maintenance and cleaning for the housing division of the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities, CHOICES Inc. Repaired, upgraded, and performed general upkeep on homes provided to developmentally disabled clients. Worked for private clients in the Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia areas, providing a full range of interior and exterior maintenance services, new construction, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, IT, special project planning and coordination.

Responsibilities included collection of rent, grounds-keeping, upkeep and repair of plumbing, roofing, windows, electrical, HVAC, and the like. Installation of locks, recharging of air conditioning units, repair of facades, replacement of broken windows, unclogging drains, shower and tub repair, etc. as necessary.

Job responsibilities included: Preparing equipment and vehicle for the workday, driving cleaning vehicle to and from jobs, on site sales, carpet, upholstery, and drapery cleaning, spot treatment, upkeeping and participating in all levels of rigorous training and certifications, and training staff on new techniques, chemicals, and equipment;later incorporated, responsibilities included: interfacing with financing institutions, bookkeeping, organizational development and advertising, and serving as CFO.