DECMEBER 2008 - WASHINGTON D.C. - The National Agribusiness Technology Center is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the upcoming year.

Mr. D. Keith Comstock - Chairman

Owner of Fenwick Technologies, Comstock Consulting et al. Mr.Comstock is a recognized national leader in the areas of Public Safety (biometrics), Federal IT Procurement and Transportation.  He is one of only eight individuals to be named a "Senior Fellow" at the prestigious "Center for Digital Government". 

Mr. Comstock has over two decades of professional experience in information technology.  He owns technology development businesses in six states and has a unique understanding of the complexities facing government officials performing regulatory roles.  Prior to launching his latest consulting firm in June 2002, he was the CIO of the State of West Virginia.  In this capacity, he was instrumental in guiding the state through several major IT initiatives.  He was the sole advisor to the governor and senior staff , and was responsible for the state's IT procurement.

He holds memberships or is affiliated with several distinguished organizations, including the Federal CIO Council, the National Association of Chief Information Officers, GAO Partnership for Intergovernmental Innovation and the Southern Growth Policy Board.

He is a graduate of the Douglas McGregor  School of Business Management Program and has completed additional coursework at Harvard University.

Mr. Joseph J. Friedl - Board Member - Federal Relations Chair

Mr. Friedl brings an unmatched knowledge and experience in the federal procurement system to NATC.  His career path is a virtual "who's who" in Pentagon contracting.  At IBM, Mr. Friedl directed the company's Defense Agencies account.  After retirement, Joe provided consulting services on CFO compliance at the Missile Defense Agency with personal responsibility for 30 billion dollars in expenditure.  He entered the Senior Executive Service and achieved rank equivalent to a 4 star general.  He was promoted and made responsible for budgeting, accounting, reporting and special funds for the Office of the Secretary of Defense working under SECDEF William S. Cohen and SECDEF Donald H. Rumsfeld.

He graduated from Concord University with a B.S. in Mathematics, and American University with a M.S. in Information Technology.  He is the recipient of Secretary of Defense Civilian Service and Presidential Rank Awards and has an active TS/SCI security clearance.

Dr. Jose Ulises Toledo - Board Member - Agricultural Technology Transfer Chair

Dr. Toledo holds two PH.D.s and an MBA.  His primary doctorate is in the field of "Natural Resources Technology Transfer".  His second is in strategic business management.  He currently serves as the Director of Research and Associate Dean at the Gus R. Douglass Land Grant Institute located on the campus of West Virginia State University.  Under his leadership, funding for the Research and Extension programs have increased by 7 million dollars per year.  He is a much sought after consultant on international R&D and is currently beginning work on a new project in Argentina.

Dr. Orlando F. McMeans - Board Member - Land Grant Chair

Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, is the Dean and Director of the West Virginia State University Gus. R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute.  He began employment at West Virginia State University College (now University) in November 1998 as the Director of the Department of Land-Grant Programs.

He received the Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Alabama A&M University, the Master of Science in Horticulture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned the Ph.D. in Horticulture, also at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduating from the University of Illinois, he went on to do postdoctoral studies at Virginia Tech in the area of genetic engineering.   He has also received certifications in public policy and executive leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Hampton University, and George Washington University.   Dr. McMeans has published several scholarly publications in the areas of plant tissue culture, plant physiology, molecular biology, and plant growth and development.

He is responsible for initiating cutting-edge, applied research projects that address environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic issues of the communities and clients served by the University.  Dr. McMeans is currently the President of National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), the Chair of the Association of Research Directors (ARD), a member of the Association of Extension Administrators (AEA), liaison to the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) Council of 1890 Presidents and Chancellors, and the Co-Chair of the Executive Team of the United States Department of Agriculture\1890 Task Force.

Dr. Frank Lee - President

Frank Lee comes to the NATC with proven success in the government business and non-profit arenas.  Dr. Lee was the founder of The Mason Research Institute.  He served two Governors and a U.S. Congressman.  His clients range from Fortune 500 firms to state and local not-for-profits.  He has successfully transferred his business skills to the charitable arena by founding the Make-A-Wish foundation of Southern West Virginia.  Last year he again received national recognition when he partnered with Home Depot to conduct "Extreme Makeover Church Edition" in Columbus Ohio. 

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