2024 Pamplin Awards

Brian Cook

Brian J. Cook is chair of the Board of Directors for the National Safety Council, the leading safety advocate for preventing unintentional injuries and death. He is also an Executive Advisor with Challenger, Gray and Christmas, a Chicago-based global career transition firm, helping executives define their personal career goals and implement job search strategies to achieve those goals. 

He retired as executive vice president and chief administrative officer of USG Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance building systems. Cook was responsible for the Employment Law, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, Corporate Services, and Environmental, Health & Safety functions. He served on the board of the USG Boral Building Products joint venture and as President of the USG Foundation, which provides grants to organizations that support housing, education and human services in communities in which USG employees live and work. 

Cook is an advisory board member for the Pamplin Advisory Council in Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. He has also served as an adjunct instructor in the MBA program at Loyola University of Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business teaching a class on managing and motivating in the workplace.

He is a former board member and Chairperson Emeritus of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, which helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, and a former director of the HR Policy Association’s Center on Executive Compensation, an organization dedicated to promoting principled pay and governance practices to serve the best interests of shareholders.

Cook attended Virginia Tech, earning a bachelor’s degree in management and finance, as well as an MBA. He earned his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.

William "Bill" Foster, Jr.

Bill is a 1965 Finance graduate of Virginia Tech. Professionally, he has held senior management positions at commercial banks in Virginia and Florida, at an investment banking firm on Wall Street, and as a board member at a New England financial institution. Bill’s experience is in the fields of investments, banking, securities trading systems, asset/ liability management, and strategic planning. He has experience across a broad range of investment instruments and also co-authored Mortgage-Backed Securities, published in both English and Japanese.

Bill served two consecutive terms on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, is a former member of the Pamplin Advisory Council, and a member of the Ut Prosim Society. He is a former Chairman of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation which owns and operates “Historic Smithfield,” the 1774 home surrounded by the Virginia Tech campus. Bill has been active in a number of civic activities including chairing the Industrial Development Authority, Economic Development Authority, two school bond referendums, and the Planning Commission in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. 

Now retired to Montgomery County, he has served as Chair of the Planning Commission and currently serves as Vice Chair. Bill is also a member of the Board of Directors of Virginia Civics Education, Inc., a statewide, non-partisan organization that promotes constitutional literacy, critical thinking, and civic engagement. 

Willis and Mary Blackwood

Mary Nolen Blackwood, a native of Washington, D.C., has left an indelible mark on her community and alma mater, Virginia Tech. Graduating with a degree in Psychology in 1973, Mary's academic journey paved the way for a career dedicated to service and leadership.

Her professional tenure with the Commonwealth of Virginia saw her navigate crucial roles in healthcare planning and mental health administration. Mary's contributions extended beyond bureaucratic responsibilities; she engaged as a faculty member in psychiatry departments at institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia.

Following her impactful career, Mary devoted herself to family and community. Alongside her husband, Willis, she raised two children while actively participating in various charitable organizations and boards. Notably, her commitment to Virginia Tech remained steadfast. Mary's involvement with the College of Science Roundtable, the Virginia Tech Foundation Board, and her induction into the College of Science Hall of Distinction exemplify her enduring dedication to her alma mater.

Willis P. Blackwood's journey from Loudoun County to success as an entrepreneur mirrors that of his wife, as it is one of determination and civic engagement. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Business Management, where he was – in his words – a “very undistinguished college student,” Willis spent a short time in the U.S. Navy. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined the Richmond Division of Safeway Stores in the Real Estate Department. This is where he developed much of his real estate knowledge as well as his passion for all facets of real estate and development.

In 1981 he opened the Richmond office for S.L. Nusbaum Realty, a Norfolk-based regional real estate company, where he was involved with property management, leasing, and new developments of more than one million square feet of retail space. He rose to be a partner in the firm.

In 1988 Willis founded Blackwood Development Company, which has developed many shopping centers in the counties of Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield and the cities of Colonial Heights and Portsmouth. The firm has also redeveloped older shopping centers, performed historic rehabs on older properties, and been a preferred developer for Wawa Convenience stores.

Beyond his professional achievements, Willis's philanthropic endeavors echo his commitment to community betterment. Serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Metro Richmond Chamber, Chesterfield Business Council, Richmond Real Estate Group, several country clubs, Virginia Tech Foundation, and Pamplin College of Business PAC. He has also served on numerous county committees on behalf of the real estate development community.

Together, Mary and Willis Blackwood embody a legacy of service, philanthropy, and support for Virginia Tech. As pillars of the Virginia Tech family, the Blackwoods continue to exemplify the university's motto: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Karen Scott

Director of Marketing, Federal
Denodo

Karen Scott is a seasoned public sector marketing leader with more than 20 years of experience helping high-tech companies propel government missions forward. She currently serves as the head of federal marketing at Denodo, the leading software provider for data management and integration. She is responsible for building successful marketing strategies through creative and integrated marketing plans that drive revenue and ensure government agencies are reaping the benefits from their data assets.  Before Denodo, Karen led marketing teams at Software AG, Informatica, Coursera, DataRobot, and several other technology companies where her in-depth knowledge of product and services branding, communications, and strategic planning has increased the company’s competitiveness, market share, and profitability.

A relative native to the Washington, D.C. metro area, Karen lives in Falls Church, VA.  She is a proud mom of two daughters, both currently pursuing IT degrees, and she is an active champion of adult education, English literacy, and women in data.  Karen is a graduate of Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business with degrees in Finance and Marketing. She and her husband can often be found in Blacksburg, VA for football games whenever they can get away!

Caitlin Deets

Caity Deets is a 2017 graduate of the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. While at Tech, she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi (fraternity for women) and Pi Sigma Epsilon (marketing fraternity). After graduation, Caity piloted the Manager in Training program for OTO Development. During her time with OTO, she worked in some of their top performing hotels in Washington, DC and National Harbor, MD. In 2021, Caity took on her first General Manager role with HMP Properties in Woodbridge, VA, becoming one of the youngest General Managers in her field. In 2023, Caity joined Donohoe Hospitality Services to lead the team at the Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor.

For the past 10 years, Caity has been an active volunteer with Virginia DECA. DECA is an association for high school marketing students. She has taken the time to speak in high school classes, assist students in preparing for competition and judges regularly at the district and state level. DECA regularly helps high school students gain real life skills such as: public speaking, creating marketing and ad campaigns, thinking critically, developing problem solving plans and more. Caity enjoys being able to work with these students and regularly gets inspired by the work ready skills they display year after year.

Since graduating, Caity has been able to support the HTM department by speaking on panels prior to the Destination Career fair to assist students in finding their path in the Hospitality field. Caity was selected to join the Pamplin Recent Alumni Board in 2021. As an active member of the board, she has enjoyed her time on the student engagement committee. She regularly participates in panel discussions for current Pamplin students covering various topics to help students find ways to make the most of their time at Virginia Tech and how to prepare for post-graduation life.

While reflecting on receiving this award, mentorship is something that comes naturally to Caity. She finds value in shared knowledge. As a leader in her hotel, she understands the value in empowering her teams with the tools and knowledge to reach team success. There have been many people who have supported Caity in her life and career. She finds the best way to honor those people is to continue to pass on the knowledge, wisdom and life lessons that were shared with her.

Mark Collins

Mark A. Collins II, Virginia Tech 2020 graduate, is currently serving as a Senior Defense & Security Consultant at Guidehouse, working closely with various stakeholders across the Department of Defense. His expertise lies in devising comprehensive strategies and implementing solutions that drive mission success, leveraging skills in business analysis, process improvement, and new business development. His success is a testament to the solid foundation prepared by the Virginia Tech Master of Business - Business Analytics Program and the faculty of the Pamplin School of Business. 

Prior to his role at Guidehouse, Mr. Collins contributed his analytical acumen as a Product Pricing Analyst at Dawn VME Products, a leading manufacturer of embedded backplane technology solutions for OEMs, Medical Research, Aerospace, Maritime, Defense, and Space customers. 

Preceding a career in corporate endeavors, holding a Bachelor of Music Degree from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Music from Appalachian State University, Mr. Collins served as a K-12 and collegiate music educator. As an educator, Mr. Collins enhanced the lives of countless students across Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia, imparting his knowledge and encouraging academic excellence for all students. Mr. Collins’ commitment to music education extended beyond the classroom, as a clinician, composer, and performer throughout the Southeast and South America. His performances, holding artist endorsements by industry giants such as Innovative Percussion and Sabian Cymbals, were diverse and captivating, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft. From premiering compositions to collaborating with esteemed artists, Mr. Collins worked to mentor and support students while engaging a common interest – music. 

Rebecca Pearson

Mauldin, South Carolina
Bachelor of Science, Pamplin College of Business, HTM, 2014
Industry Leadership Manager, The Coca-Cola Company

Rebecca Pearson is a philanthropist at heart, driven by the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Instilled with this spirit of service from her time at the Pamplin College of Business, Rebecca has seamlessly integrated this commitment into every aspect of her life. Her educational journey did not conclude in Blacksburg; she pursued further studies, earning an MBA from Georgia Southern University and a PM certification from Cornell University, equipping her to make a significant impact in the professional world.

Her education has propelled her across an impressive career path that includes roles in start-ups, academia, and now, within a global corporation at The Coca-Cola Company. In her current position, Rebecca not only excels in her responsibilities but also expands her commitment to service to the broader industry, participating on multiple International Foodservice Manufacturers Association committees and acting as a scholarship judge for the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Rebecca's dedication to service extends well beyond her career as she generously donates her time, talents, and treasures to both her local community and beyond. Her hands-on involvement with preschoolers at Fellowship Greenville is a testament to her devotion. Additionally, Rebecca actively engages with her alma mater to make an impact — from her previous role as the advisory chair for the Fashion Merchandising and Design Advisory Board to mentoring students, engaging fellow alumni through various events and volunteer activities, and her ongoing participation on the Student Affairs Alumni Advisory Board. Her passion is further highlighted by her support for initiatives such as The Market at Virginia Tech, which strives to alleviate food insecurity by providing healthy food options to students in need.

As a third-generation Hokie, whose legacy was initiated by her grandfather, Harvey Pearson, class of 1950, Rebecca's connection to Virginia Tech is both deeply personal and a symbol of her family's enduring commitment to the university. Her Hokie Spirit, cultivated through decades of family tradition, she hopes to influence and inspire for many generations to come, perpetuating a legacy of service and community involvement.

Lauren Percherke

(Soon to be Lauren Percherke Bignotti as of October 4th, 2024)

Microsoft
Account Director

Lauren Percherke (MGT '19 - MCA Track, Leadership Minor, Presidential Global Scholar Honors College), grew up in Ashburn, VA and was beyond excited to complete her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech. Lauren always had dreams of "paying it forward" to Hokies after graduation due to so many alumni helping her throughout her early career. She graduated Summa Cum Lalude after four amazing years in Blacksburg. In her senior year, Lauren was the awardee of the MGT Outstanding Student Award (For Highest GPA) as well as the MGT College Service Award. Lauren was very involved during her time at Virginia Tech. Although being a MGT student, she was a TA for the BIT school as part of the federal work study program she qualified for. She was active and held leadership roles in Collegiate Women in Business, Pamplin Leadership Development Team, Management Society, and several others. Her favorite memories include being the Sisterhood Chair of Alpha Chi Omega, Epsilon Tau her junior year (where she won the Chapter Sisterhood award) as well as studying abroad with the Honors college her sophomore year while conducting/publishing undergraduate research on Human Trafficking of adolescent women in European nations. Lauren was also a proud member of Campus Crusades for Christ during her Freshman/Sophomore year and went on to lead a Bible Study her Junior/Senior year that she created while overseas in Switzerland. Lauren won the Pamplin Elaine Caravati Award her junior year as well as several scholarships for the Presidential Global Honors College Program overseas. Lauren's favorite professor at Virginia Tech was Stephen Skripak (who has now retired). 

Lauren moved to Washington, DC after graduation and started a career in Big Tech at IBM. Lauren was invited to join the MGT RAB team after graduation where she proudly got involved right away to start helping Hokies in anyway possible - whether that was speaking at classes, coming to career fairs, vouching for student applications in Big Tech, reviewing resume, as well as providing feedback to the school of business for ways to innovate. Lauren also became involved with the local DC chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Alumni on their executive team and helped mentor the Virginia Tech Epsilon Tau chapter executive board in her free time. Lauren graduated from IBM's renown Global Sales School at the top of her class which led her to accelerate into a promoted opportunity as an account executive for IBM Data Science / AI Solutions supporting the Federal Government. After a few years at IBM, Lauren was presented with an opportunity at Microsoft that she could not turn down. This led her to switch over to Microsoft for the opportunity to support the Department of Defense Fourth Estate Team as an Account Director. At the beginning of 2024, Lauren made a strategic switch to the Navy & USMC teams to dive deeper into a Low/No-Code Microsoft Solution called Power Platform. At the end of 2023, Lauren was selected as the new Vice President of the MGT RAB team - where she now serves happily running the Mentorship Program. Lauren enjoys visiting Blacksburg as much as possible to spend time with MGT students and help promote Women in Tech wherever she can. She equally enjoys any remote help she can provide while on the executive board at Microsoft "Hokies at Microsoft."  Lauren is a proud mentor to several hokies today and aims to get as many Hokies into Big Tech as possible. She is getting married in the Fall of 2024 in Leesburg, VA to her College Sweetheart and hopes to one day serve on the MAB team when she gets older.

Jay Tucker

Jay M. Tucker is a dedicated community member and entrepreneur residing in Blacksburg, Virginia. He is a 2014 graduate of Virginia Tech who earned a BS in Marketing Management with a minor in Leadership and Social Change. 

During his time at Virginia Tech, Jay discovered the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and the power of building a community. Elected freshman year to serve in a lifetime capacity as the Class of 2014 President, Jay’s leadership skills were recognized early on. He was awarded the Freshman Leader of the Year Award via the Student Government Association. Later in his college career he was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Gavel Leadership Honor Society. Jay served on the Virginia Tech Alumni Board, Commission of Student Affairs, Commencement Committee, and was an instructor for the inaugural year for the Thrive Living and Learning Community. 

In his professional career, Jay has played a role in fostering growth and economic development in the New River Valley. After spending eight seasons with the now Washington Commanders, Jay took a leap of faith to start the Pest Management Services, Inc (PMSI) team in Blacksburg. They serve as the Official Pest Control Partner of the Hokies and swiftly gained recognition being honored as the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year in 2019 and the Small Business of the Year in 2020. Jay was also recognized as a member of the Montgomery Country Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 in 2024. While he is largely recognized through his building of PMSI, Jay is a visionary leader with a prowess in branding who continuously strives to innovate and build thriving enterprises. He has invested in/partnered with or started several other brands including: Aspire Marketing Agency, Ewing Building & Cabinetry, Red Beards Gutters and a variety of real estate ventures. 

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jay is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives. He serves on two non-profit boards as well as serving as a mentor for a handful of student organizations at Virginia Tech striving to create a better future for his community.