Our Leadership
Meet the dedicated professionals driving our mission and making a difference every day.
Foundation supporters gather in the Center for the Sciences atrium.
Background
An independent partner to the University
The Radford University Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, established to advance and support the mission and priorities of Radford University while carrying its own fiduciary, operational, and governance responsibilities.
The Foundation manages its own operations, finances, and real estate activities. University Advancement and Alumni Relations are housed within the University, given the size and scope of that work.
A Board of Directors made up of alumni, community leaders, and professionals provides strategic oversight, ensures responsible stewardship of resources, and supports the Foundation’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Separate fiduciary, operational, and governance responsibility.
More than fifty years supporting Radford University.
Alumni, community leaders, and professionals in strategic oversight.
The Foundation advances the University’s strategic priorities
through three responsibilities:
A trusted, innovative partner that accelerates the University’s aspirations
through three areas of focus:
Values
Five commitments that guide our decisions
Stewardship
Every gift is managed for the long term, with care for donor intent.
Integrity
Decisions are made in the University’s interest and documented plainly.
Transparency
Financials, policies, and governance are published and open to review.
Partnership
We work alongside the University, alumni, and the Radford community.
Innovation
We look for better ways to grow and deploy the assets in our care.
Meet Our Core Team
Our team of passionate professionals is committed to supporting Radford University’s mission. Get to know the people who drive our initiatives and make a positive impact on our community.
Derek R. Neal, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Whitney Bailey
Chief Financial Officer
Lara Clark
Executive Administrative Assistant
Danyelle Earnest-Higgins
Staff Accountant
Boards of Directors
Three boards guide the Foundation’s work: the Foundation itself, Real Estate Management, and the Athletic Foundation.
John Chomeau
John Chomeau ’82 manages the foundation’s records and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, contributing to the foundation’s organizational effectiveness.
Allison Felix
Allison Felix ’01 manages the foundation’s finances, ensuring accurate planning and reporting to maintain financial health and transparency.
Full Membership
- John Chomeau, Board Chair ’82
- Allison Felix, Vice Chair ’01
- Anoput “Put” Phimassone ’87
- George Mendiola ’00, MBA ’02
- Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D.
- Scott MacDonald
- W. Mark Rader ’89
- Audra Shekleton, CPA ’04
- Bethany Usher, Ph.D.
- Ms. Penny Helms White ’85, ’87
- Linda Whitley-Taylor ’86
- Rob Hoover, Ph.D.
- Denise White ’83
- George “Abie” Williams, Jr.
Wayne Klotz
Wayne Klotz ’78 leads the Real Estate Board, bringing extensive experience in real estate management and a deep commitment to supporting Radford University’s growth and development.
Ronald Strawn
Ronald D. Strawn ’83 provides strategic leadership as Vice President, focusing on optimizing the foundation’s real estate assets to benefit the university. Ron is the Principle at Sandmar Properties LLC in Potomac, MD.
Scott MacDonald
Scott MacDonald is longtime Board member and currently serves on the Real Estate Executive Committee. He is President of RE/MAX Gateway in Chantilly, VA.
Full Membership
- Wayne Klotz, Board President ’78
- Ronald Strawn, Vice President ’83
- Scott MacDonald
- Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D.
- Robert Fox ’82
- Byron Holmes ’92
- Christopher Huther ’88, J.D.
- John Lyon ’91
- Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham
David Smith
David Smith ’85, M.S. ’87 leads the Athletic Foundation Board, providing strategic direction and oversight to support Radford University’s athletic programs and initiatives.
Full Membership
- David Smith, Board Chair ’85, M.S. ’87
- Cynthia “Cindy” Chace ’86
- Holly Cline, Ph.D.
- David Craig
- Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D.
- Robert Lineburg
- Amanda “Mandy” Martin
- Greg McCarthy ’85
- John Montgomery ’81
- Lara Ramsey ’90
- Mallory Shurtz ’09
- Dragan Skoko ’94
- Yvette “Pebbles” Smith ’85
- Jonathan Sweet ’00
- George “Abram” Williams, III ’12
- Mike Williams ’93
Trusted Partners
Advancing Our Shared Purpose
