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Who We Are

We are a team of higher education practitioners.

Nearly 100 years of combined experience in two- and four-year, public and private institutions. The voice in this work is the voice of people who have sat in the chair you are sitting in now.

Vision

A world in which colleges and universities have the resources they need to meet the needs of their most underserved students — eliminating barriers to student access and success.

Mission

We partner with colleges and universities to fuel their work and advance their missions through the design and operation of the WRD Grant Funding System — configured to your priorities.

Results

More than $690 million secured for client institutions across 22 states and Puerto Rico, since 1984.

40 years
since 1984
$690M+
grant funding secured
$165M+
in active grants currently
150+
colleges and universities

Our team

Senior practitioners. First-generation perspectives. Long tenures.

WRD Consulting Group, formerly Western Research & Development, was founded in 1984 by educational researchers, professors, and administrators Dr. Jordan Utsey and Dr. Melanie Tang. Today's team includes professors, deans, project directors, and grants administrators across the California Community College system, the University of California, and private colleges.

Click any card to read the full bio.

Portrait of Tom Voden, Ph.D.

Senior Partner

Tom Voden, Ph.D.

With nearly 25 years of experience spanning the California Community College system, University of California, and private colleges, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His journey has included serving as a professor of mathematics, dean of instruction / academic affairs, and project director on multiple federal HSI grants. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, Tom understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education. His lifelong love for engineering and hands-on "making," combined with the rigorous analytical thinking honed while earning his PhD in mathematics from UC San Diego, fuels his commitment to deep learning and innovative pedagogy. Tom's versatile skill set, including expertise in institutional research and planning, enrollment management and program development, positions him well to lead successful institutional development and evaluation efforts. He draws upon his unique background, fluency in four languages, and deep contextual understanding of the education landscape to drive meaningful impact.

When not working, he can often be found working on projects with his two young daughters and exploring new mountain bike trails, pursuing his passion for outdoor adventure.
Portrait of Christos Valiotis

Senior Partner

Christos Valiotis

Christos brings nearly 30 years of experience in the California Community College system as a professor of physics, instructional dean, and grants administrator. With an M.A. in Theory and Philosophy of Physics from California State University, Long Beach, he has directed four successful Title V and Title III HSI grants while contributing to numerous other successful grant initiatives. His evaluation expertise, honed through the University of Nebraska Lincoln's assessment doctoral program and extensive work as an external evaluator for Title III, Title V, and NSF projects, ensures maximum impact for implementation efforts. Born and raised in Greece, Christos brings a global perspective to his work at WRD. His passion for authentic student engagement and undergraduate research drives his efforts to develop innovative programs that transform lives.

When not advancing WRD's mission of promoting equity and access in higher education, Christos practices archery, a sport he has pursued with dedication for many years.
Portrait of Lesley Bonds

Director of Development

Lesley Bonds

Lesley brings over 15 years of experience in public and private institutions, both two-year and four-year, nationwide. A first-generation high school and college graduate, she holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and a master's in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. She has expertise in grants development, strategic planning, and college accreditation. Before joining WRD, Lesley managed a $15 million annual portfolio of federal, state, and philanthropic funding at a California community college. At WRD, she has co-led teams to secure over $115 million in federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Lesley lives in California's Central Valley with her husband, three rescue dogs, and hundreds of plants. For a good conversation starter, ask her about her half marathon training or her latest podcast binge.
Portrait of Kim Cooper

Director of Operations

Kim Cooper

Kim is the team member with the longest tenure, having worked for WRD for over 25 years. Her extensive experience in federal grant management and academic background in business management and accounting are why we affectionately call Kim the "nerve center" of WRD. She is responsible for WRD's day-to-day operations and is our resident expert in federal grant regulations and compliance. She brings an unmatched eye for detail, ensuring we never submit a grant without fully addressing all technical requirements. Her deep understanding of business operations allows her to effectively manage budgets, streamline processes, and ensure the smooth functioning of the organization.

Kim grew up in Bandon, Oregon, home of the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast and where WRD was founded. When not at the office, Kim enjoys exploring the scenic hiking trails and indulging in the local culinary delights. If you ever plan a trip to the southern Oregon coast, ask Kim about the best restaurants and the treasures to be found in Old Town Bandon.
Portrait of Rubi Marinelarena

Project Support Specialist

Rubi Marinelarena

With a B.A. in Film & Media from Mount Saint Mary's University, Rubi brings a unique perspective and creative energy to her role at WRD. As a first-generation Mexican American, she understands the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both education and the workplace. Rubi's career journey began at Whole Foods Market, where she spent 8 years as a buyer, honing skills in product selection, vendor relations, and inventory management. This experience provided valuable insights into the power of purpose-driven business and the importance of fostering community. Alongside her professional pursuits, Rubi has dedicated significant time and effort working with the special needs community. This work has not only deepened her empathy and understanding but has also reinforced the importance of creating inclusive, accessible environments where everyone can thrive.

At WRD, Rubi brings this wealth of experience to bear in her tireless efforts to support project management and proposal development.
Portrait of Alyssa Cooper

Operations Support Specialist

Alyssa Cooper

Alyssa joins WRD with a fresh perspective shaped by nearly a decade in the medical field. Her experience in healthcare has honed her skills in organization, communication, and attention to detail (qualities that are invaluable in her role at WRD). Having previously collaborated with WRD on proposal preparation, she brings deep familiarity with the organization's mission and goals.

When not at work, Alyssa channels her creativity into interior decorating, bringing spaces to life with her distinctive vision. Her keen eye for aesthetics and ability to transform environments reflect her problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Alyssa also finds inspiration in various artistic mediums, from painting to photography, which help her approach tasks with a fresh and creative mindset.

Our model

Capacity transfer, not lock-in.

Most consulting firms quietly engineer the opposite. Production-labor revenue is richer than software-and-coaching revenue, and the longer a client needs you to do the work, the more you make. We have chosen the opposite arc deliberately, and we name it upfront.

From day one, we operate the components your institution needs us to operate. Proposals get written, opportunities get scanned, compliance questions get answered. The system goes to work immediately — it does not wait for a setup phase to finish.

As the components mature and your internal capacity grows, the mix of labor between WRD and your team shifts toward whatever you want it to be. Where you want to take direct ownership of a component, we hand off cleanly: documentation, training, and a software-supported handover. Where you want us to keep operating, we keep operating. The system stays intact either way; what changes is how much of the labor we carry.

The endgame is the institution having the choice.

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