Matt Ballard, CEO/Executive Director, West Virginia Regional Technology Park Corporation

Kevin Byrne, President and Chief Executive Officer, The University Financing Foundation

Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

Brian Darmody leads AURP initiatives including expanding membership, international partnerships and funding in order to build out additional member benefits. Prior to joining AURP, Brian served as Associate Vice President (AVP) of Corporate Engagement at the University of Maryland (UMD). At UMD, Brian was responsible for developing the overall university strategy for corporate relationships, as well as the development of projects and policies to support these initiatives centrally and through the colleges and schools on campus of the University of Maryland. Previously, he was the University’s AVP for Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Division of University Relations, AVP for Research and Economic Development, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Development, Director of State and Federal Relations in the President’s Office and has served in the university’s legal counsel office. He serves on national and state boards, including: Fraunhofer USA, the Maryland Economic Development Association, and the Maryland Tech Council. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore and he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Karen Dobos, Scientific Director, Colorado State University Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL)

Dr. Dobos serves as the Scientific Director for the CSU Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at Foothills campus, and was one of the key communicators for the RBL network during and after the COVID pandemic. She is also an active contributor on educating agencies on the importance of sustaining and modernizing all 12 RBLs.
The Dobos laboratory research program is primarily focused on diseases caused by Mycobacterium spp. Her laboratory pursues biomarker research, descriptive, comparative studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, and novel non-classical antigen discovery for the development of 2nd generation vaccines and diagnostic assays. Specifically, the laboratory utilizes mass spectrometry, models of tuberculosis, and collaborations with clinical research groups to define macromolecules and nanovesicles engaged in host-parasite interactions. This is accomplished through highly collaborative studies within and outside of the University.
Finally, Dr. Dobos merged her passion for education, outreach, and research to develop a TB outreach program at local and regional high schools with annual activities during the week of World TB Day (March 24).

Allison Madden, AURP President; Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary, University of South Florida Research Park

Allison Madden serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary for the University of South Florida (USF) Research Foundation in Tampa, Florida. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing corporate governance, strategic planning, and the operations of the USF Research Park. Ms. Madden’s extensive responsibilities include community development and planning, construction oversight, vendor and client relations, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations. Her leadership contributes to the Research Park’s position as a cornerstone of USF’s Innovation Enterprise, which annually generates $582 million for Florida’s economy, sustains over 4,000 public and private sector jobs, and returns more than $71 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments.  In her role as Corporate Secretary of the USF Research Foundation, Ms. Madden is responsible for executing official corporate documents and supporting the management of the board of directors and executive committee.
Ms. Madden holds an MBA with a focus on management and a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Information Systems and Decision Sciences, both from USF. She is a member of the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies.
Beyond USF, Ms. Madden has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) since 2020 and is in the role of President of the organization for a two-year term. She was previously serving as Vice President of AURP in 2024 and as Treasurer for the 2023 calendar year. Additionally, Ms. Madden is a member of the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors and serves as Business Chair for the Tampa Bay Chapter of BioFlorida.
Throughout her career, Ms. Madden has maintained a steadfast commitment to ensuring the Research Park remains a premier destination for high-impact, high-technology research in a collaborative environment. Under her leadership, the Research Park continues to thrive as an essential hub for innovation, helping to drive economic development and research excellence in the region.

Vickie Palmer: CEO, AURP

Vickie Palmer was appointed CEO in 2022, following 15 years’ experience significantly expanding the Association’s membership and sponsorship community. During her time with AURP, she has led the organization’s membership, event management and overall operations while working closely with the organization’s prior CEOs, Board of Directors and membership community. Recipient of the 2021 AURP Vision Award, Vickie brings to a proven record of success in association management primarily with The Kellen Company, a global association management company, and Management Plus, Ltd. She has over 25 years leadership experience with such associations as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Elder Life Care Planners (formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) and the National Guardianship Association. Prior to her jump into the non-profit sector, she held executive convention management positions at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Tucson, AZ (formerly ITT Sheraton). Vickie obtained a bachelor of science with major in hotel and restaurant management from Northern Arizona University’s W.A. Franke College of Business. Additionally, she is a commissioned Stephen Minister.

Jordan Peterson, Chief Operations Officer, Collaborative Real Estate

Jordan leads property operations and community networking navigation services for innovation districts and research properties managed by Collaborative Real Estate on behalf of both private and institutional clients.  With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate and institutional real estate transactions, strategy, and operations spanning more than 25 million square feet of real estate, Jordan has spent the last five years working specifically on community building, development, and management of university-anchored research properties and innovation districts.
Jordan has presented at conferences hosted by AURP (aurp.org), InBIA (inbia.org), NACRO (nacrocon.org), and UIDP (uidp.org) on improving the environment for individual collaboration in university-anchored innovation ecosystems; as well as at IFMA (ifma.org) on technology-enabled property management strategies.  Jordan’s experience engaging with university, business, and civic leadership coupled with his ability to connect seemingly minor operational details to “big picture” strategic considerations makes him naturally gravitate toward the relationships of our properties with the broader research goals and community networks that surround them.

David Snow, Executive Director, Pegasus Park

Dr. David E. Snow is an innovation-driven executive with over 15 years of experience advancing research commercialization, strategic partnerships, and place-based innovation. He currently serves as Executive Director of Pegasus Park, a premier 26-acre innovation hub in Dallas, where he leads multi-year strategic planning, ecosystem growth, business development, and foster regional collaboration across the biotech, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining Pegasus Park, Dr. Snow held several senior leadership roles in university-based innovation organizations. As President and CEO of the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation, he directed financial and operational strategy for the state’s leading 106-acre research park. He also served as Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Executive Director of Technology Ventures at the University of Arkansas, where he led interdisciplinary innovation initiatives, the launch of a second innovation district, corporate engagement efforts, and technology transfer. Earlier, as Senior Managing Director of Research Commercialization at Texas Tech University, he oversaw intellectual property strategy and venture development across the university system. A Certified Licensing Professional and registered Patent Agent, Dr. Snow holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Texas Tech University. He is a recognized leader in knowledge-driven economic development and a frequent collaborator across academia, industry, and philanthropy.

Harold Strong, Spring Training Chair; Executive Director, STAR Park at Texas State University

Harold Strong is a respected leader in innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship within research park environments. He has held key roles at Texas A&M University and the University of North Texas, where he advanced research infrastructure, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships. Now serving as Executive Director of STAR Park at Texas State University, Harold drives development at the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses, building industry consortia and strategic programs that support the university’s R1 research goals. With a career spanning academia, nonprofits, and business, he brings a collaborative, results-driven approach to workforce development and technology-led economic growth.

Tonya Witherspoon: Associate Vice President, Workforce Development and Industry Engagement, Wichita State University

Tonya Witherspoon is a dedicated leader with over twenty years of experience in talent and workforce development through innovation, applied learning, and technology-based economic development. At Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus, she cultivates industry partnerships that connect faculty, students, and stakeholders to enhance research, education, and career opportunities. Tonya’s background includes teaching, founding several companies, and holding executive roles in technology firms. Passionate about innovation and community engagement, she enjoys collaborating with others to connect ideas and resources for broad impact. She serves on local, regional, and national boards that drive economic development. As a published author and speaker, she values the opportunity to share knowledge and learn from her peers.