The NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announced the promotion of Center staff members Courtney Breckenridge and Steve Ward to newly created positions. The hires are part of a long-term plan to expand the Center’s grant-funded and private client research capabilities.
Breckenridge, a graduate of SIUE’s mass communications undergraduate program and a master’s candidate at the University, is the Center’s assistant director of communications and client relations. Ward, a nine-year veteran of the Center as a research engineer, was promoted to assistant director of pilot plant projects.
“2013 is shaping up to be a great year for the Center as a long-term vision for our organizational structure comes to reality,” Caupert said. “These positions enable us to offer first class client services to the private sector without compromising our ability to take advantage of grant-funded research and development opportunities.
“With these new additions to the Center’s management team, we will be able to more aggressively pursue both grant funding opportunities and relationships with new private clients, while simultaneously expanding our outreach and public awareness efforts.”
Breckenridge began at the Center in 2011 as a graduate assistant and served in the role of marketing and policy assistant. After earning her bachelor’s from SIUE, she began her career as a professional writer and later worked for State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) as a legislative assistant, focusing on communications for his district office.
“Courtney’s education, complimented by her years of experience and working knowledge of social media, web content, public policy and fundraising will be an invaluable resource,” Caupert said. “We look forward to raising our profile within the industry and among prospective clients as we continue rolling out our new brand identity through a comprehensive public relations campaign.”
After joining the Center in 2004, Ward earned his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in 2011. He earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He previously worked as a pilot plant engineer at Monsanto.
“Steve has been a dedicated and loyal employee throughout his tenure,” Caupert said. “His leadership and initiative are exactly the qualities needed to oversee pilot plant trials for the Center’s private clients. We are excited to entrust this important aspect of our mission to such competent hands.”
About the Center
The NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds. Established through federal and state initiatives, with support from the Illinois and National Corn Growers Associations, the Center promotes rural development and economic stimulus and is providing tomorrow’s workforce with the skills needed to meet the challenges of a changing energy environment. Designated as a Biorefining Center of Excellence, the Center assists in developing the technologies needed to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and provide consumers with economically sound and environmentally responsible fuel options. Research initiatives in renewable energy at the Center are supported through grants, contracts and donor contributions. For more information, contact Courtney Breckenridge, (618) 401-9218, cbreckenridge@ethanolresearch.com, or visit http://www.ethanolresearch.com.