EDUCATION

LORRI HUFFARD has been named the new dean of science and health at Wytheville Community College.

PABLO SOBRADO, assistant professor in biochemistry with the infectious disease research group at Virginia Tech, has received a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities for his research on enzymes that are essential for infection in two important human pathogens.

JEREMIAH ABIADE, assistant professor in materials science and engineering and in mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, has received a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities for his research to increase the electrical output of thermoelectric materials and devices.

JACK HARRALD, research professor with Virginia Tech's Center for Technology, Security and Policy, has been appointed chairman of the Disasters Roundtable, a committee of the National Research Council.

ENGINEERING

MARTHA CHESTER, with Hughes Associates Architects, has earned her certification as a LEED Accredited Professional.

Martin Bros. Contractors Inc. announced that ZACK FLETCHALL has earned his LEED Accredited Professional certification, and has graduated from the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Roanoke Valley program.

LAW

The Roanoke Bar Association has announced its newly elected officers and directors for 2009-10: ROY CREASY, president; FRANCIS CASOLA, president elect; LORI THOMPSON, secretary/treasurer; and directors: DAVID BOWERS, L. BRAD BRAFORD, LEAH GISSY, LINDA GUSTAD, KEVIN HOLT, JONNIE SPEIGHT, MICHAEL WHITLOW.

OTHER

Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia has announced the following additions to its board of directors: TERRY KEFFER, SCOTT MORLING, GARRY NORRIS and DAVID TOPPING.

Junior League of Roanoke Valley has announced its board of directors for 2009-10: BETH CROSS, president; NICOLE TERRILL, president elect; SHANNON SHAFFER-KARTEZ, administrative vice president; EUNICE AUSTIN, recording secretary; NICOLE BARBOUR, finance vice president; ANGELA THOMAS, community vice president; AMY FOSTER, communications vice president; SUMMER HARPER, membership vice president; MARGARET and HUNTER WADE, fund development vice presidents; ANDREA DRAPER, nominating chair; and GINNY JARRETT, sustaining advisor.