Directors

Max Stephenson Jr. - Director

Dr. Stephenson joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 1989 and has taught nonprofit organization and management and public policy related courses since. He is the Director of the Institute for Policy and Governance. His current research interests include comparative analysis of nongovernmental organization program/policy implementation structures and the conditions that conduce to effective leadership in networked organizational environments. He received his academic degrees from the University of Virginia.

Mary Beth Dunkenberger - Senior Program Director, Policy & Management Programs - Blacksburg

Ms. Dunkenberger provides technical assistance to public sector agencies and private entities. Additionally, she manages research projects, program evaluations and feasibility studies in the areas of federal, state and local public policy implementation and program delivery. Projects are undertaken with an understanding of the policy, organizational, business practice and political contexts in which agencies operate. Ms. Dunkenberger has worked in the areas of economic development, work force training, international trade, social programs, transportation planning, citizen involvement and public sector strategic development. Ms. Dunkenberger’s related academic and outreach interests are focused on developing enhanced connections between social programs and economic and community development in the context of evolving global dynamics.

Russell Cargo - Senior Program Director, Nonprofit & Civil Society Programs

Dr. Cargo joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 2005. He is Director for the Nonprofiot and Civil Society Program. The focus of his work is to develop Nonprofit Management as an academic discipline and he has a lead role in the outreach work done by IPG. He is committed to strengthening nonprofit organizations (and the social, economic and political environment in which they operate) to enable them to enhance the quality of life for all and to contribute to more livable communities in a stronger democracy. He was a founder of the Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations (VANNO), the state association of nonprofits. He is the President-Elect of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) and chairs the board of directors of the National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise (NCNE).

Renee Loeffler - Senior Program Director, Policy Programs - Alexandria

Dr. Loeffler received her Ph.D. in political science from Cornell University. Before coming to Virginia Tech, she served on the faculty of Indiana University and worked in private research organizations. She has been director of the Institute for Public Policy Research since 1992. Her major areas of interest are program evaluation and analyses of social services and health programs and policies.

Tracey Schroeder - Associate Director, Administration and Finance - Blacksburg

Ms. Schroeder is responsible for human resources, financial administration and business management for all IPG operations.