Kayla Benson , MPA , brings over 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership in the child advocacy world and over two years of work with The EdVenture Group to the director of impact position .
AmeriCarbon ’ s current facility in Morgantown , WV .
Vertx Partners Helps AmeriCarbon Secure Defense Contract
West Virginia-based AmeriCarbon recently secured its first Small Business Innovation Research ( SBIR ) contract with the U . S . Department of Defense . Following the announcement in August 2022 that $ 4.9 million in federal , state and county funding had been secured for its new carbon manufacturing plant in Wyoming County , WV , Morgantown-based AmeriCarbon has been awarded its first SBIR contract with the U . S . Air Force .
“ This opens up an entirely new market ,” says AmeriCarbon CEO Dave Berry . “ That ’ s why this particular SBIR is extremely important and exciting for us .”
The SBIR is a competitive program funded by the federal government and designed to encourage businesses to engage in high-impact research and development with the potential for commercialization . AmeriCarbon ’ s business model is based on developing new ways for coal to be chemically transformed into advanced carbon materials to support a domestic supply chain for electric vehicles and other emerging markets .
“ We have had very good success in working with our collaborators to convert our Eco-Pitch into high-performance battery-grade graphite ,” says Berry .
In a similar way , AmeriCarbon ’ s Eco-Pitch can be tailored to various carbon-based products needed by the defense sector and more particularly for this effort , the U . S . Air Force .
AmeriCarbon ’ s capabilities were quickly noticed with Vertx ’ s help .
“ When we first started to engage AmeriCarbon with some of the prime contractors and the U . S . Air Force , they said , ‘ Oh my gosh , we desperately need this ,’” says Vertx President and retired U . S . Air Force Colonel Sean Frisbee .
Frisbee is optimistic that this partnership signals good news for the entire industry .
“ I think there are a lot of companies out there that have unique technology and materials , and we can connect them with key people in the U . S . Air Force who may be looking for such a solution ,” he says .
The EdVenture Group Appoints New Leaders
The president and board of directors of The EdVenture Group , Inc . are pleased to announce the promotion of two staff members to executive level . Effective July 1 , Kayla Benson and Amber Ravenscroft assumed leadership roles within the company as the organization continues to support and advance education in West Virginia and beyond .
“ I am excited to have Kayla and Amber take on leadership roles in the organization . They are both accomplished individuals with unique passions that will help our organization grow now , and in the future ,” says President and Founder Lydotta Taylor . “ They are thoughtful , innovative and connected individuals that will continue to expand The EdVenture Group in new directions to best serve our customers .”
Kayla Benson .
“ I am honored and excited to combine my leadership experience and passion for inspiring change for children and families in the director of impact position ,” says Benson . “ In the last 22 years , The EdVenture Group has done an incredible job of recognizing areas of need and customizing solutions to make lasting impacts on the communities we serve — impacts that ultimately change lives . I look forward to continuing these efforts with our committed and passionate team .”
Amber Ravenscroft , M . S . Ed ., brings over eight years of work within The EdVenture Group , providing grant and program management for a portfolio of federal initiatives to the director of innovation position .
Amber Ravenscroft .
“ During my time with The EdVenture Group , I ’ ve witnessed the tremendous impact this company has on students , educators and local communities ,” says Ravenscroft . “ We have accomplished so much and know there is so much more
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