September 4, 2024
Chances are that if you have worked at VTTI in the last 20 years, you have met Lisa Eichelberger.
Starting in 2001, she worked as the executive secretary and office manager of former director Tom Dingus. Her responsibilities included arranging travel accommodations, general office management, and human resources (HR) functions.
Seven years later, Lisa was promoted to a project associate role and was tasked with handling logistics, such as training and equipment delivery, for the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2). She continued to work with what was the Center for Vulnerable Roadway Users after SHRP 2 finished.
In 2020, the existing VTTI human resources team had moved to other positions, and hiring complications arose due to COVID. Lisa was asked to support operations as the HR coordinator, due to her early experiences at VTTI as well as prior work at the Donaldson-Brown Hotel and Conference Center, now the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center.
Lisa applied for and was offered the role of HR manager in 2022. She has filled the position since then and her day-to-day responsibilities are crucial to the function of VTTI.
As HR manager, Lisa is responsible for numerous aspects regarding VTTI employees. She fosters employee development, provides access to employee resources, and supports any staffing needs.
Lisa says, “I’ve always seen my job as being incredibly important. I’m not the one directly saving lives, but I’m facilitating so that other people who have those skills can. To me, that’s incredibly important.”
Lisa also meets weekly with the Director of Human Resources in the Office of Research and Innovation at Virginia Tech and meets every couple of weeks with HR-related professionals from all around campus.
Lisa in her office at VTTI.
A Hokie at heart, Lisa graduated from Virginia Tech in 1991 with a degree in English. Prior to employment at VTTI, Lisa worked at the Donaldson-Brown Hotel and Conference Center for 13 years. She began as a waiter in 1988, and through her hard work and dedication, she eventually became an administrative assistant.
Outside of her work as HR manager, Lisa spends time with her four cats and her dog. She enjoys watching historical TV dramas, with “Call the Midwife” being her personal favorite. She also enjoys working in her flower beds and watching the wildlife in the backyard of her Christiansburg home.
Lisa had this to say regarding her work and friends at VTTI: “My work gives me purpose and I love knowing the ever-growing family that makes VTTI so special. We are at the point now where we have about 316 employees, and I would say I know almost all of them. My VTTI family has been my greatest support in times of crisis.”
The researchers at VTTI conduct groundbreaking transportation research, but those who support them are just as vital. Because of her practice of going above and beyond for every person she encounters. Lisa is truly a driving force.