USA VP to Moderate 'Glass Ceiling' Forum

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Posted on August 14, 2015

Alice Jackson

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Lynne Chronister, USA vice president for research and economic development, will moderate "Shattering the Glass Ceiling: A Forum for Today's Women," held by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Ala., and his wife, Rebecca Byrne, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of South Alabama.

The Aug. 26 forum, which is free and open to the public, will focus on bringing women of the 1^st Congressional District together to identify problems, issues and challenges facing women today.

“The forum was created by Congressman Byrne to help empower women to reach their own potential and to help create a network and support for women in our region,” Chronister said.

Special guest for the 8:30-11 a.m. session at the Battle House in downtown Mobile will be U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., who represents Missouri’s 2^nd Congressional District, including most of the city of St. Louis’ western and southern suburbs. Wagner previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, 2005-2009. She was chair of the Missouri Republican Party for six years, 1999-2005, and co-chair of the Republican National Committee for four years. Wagner graduated from the University of Missouri, receiving a business degree with an emphasis in logistics.

Chronister oversees research growth across the University, including interdisciplinary research efforts, resource development and orchestration of all phases of research administration. Since assuming the job in 2012, Chronister has worked to connect USA and the community’s research and economic development efforts. Earlier this year, she was the first recipient of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Catalyst Award for economic initiative and leadership.

In addition to creating new knowledge through basic and applied research, USA’s research program represents a major industry for the region, pumping more than $60 million per year into the economy.

As head of the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Rebecca Byrne assembles and directs philanthropic assets as well as connects philanthropists with capable nonprofits to benefit local communities in a variety of ways. The Montgomery native and Rep. Byrne have been married for more than 30 years, and they are the parents of four children.

For more information, call Rep. Byrne’s Mobile office at (251) 690-2811.

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