Alan Fellers named director of conflicts of interest and commitment disclosures

Alan Fellers has been named director of conflicts of interest and commitment disclosures for Virginia Tech’s Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance, effective Feb. 23.

Prior to joining the Virginia Tech community, Fellers spent six years serving as director for the Conflicts of Interest Programs within the Office of Research Integrity & Ethics at Washington University in St. Louis. He brings 12 years of expertise in leading conflicts of interest programs across the institution, including research conflicts of interest, institutional conflicts of interest, and conflicts of commitment.

“Alan brings a depth of experience in building and strengthening conflict of interest programs within highly decentralized research institutions,” said Sharon Kurek, vice president for audit, risk, and compliance and chief risk officer. “He understands not only the regulatory landscape, but also the importance of designing practical, service-oriented processes that support faculty and staff while upholding the highest standards of integrity.”

Kurek added, “His expertise in disclosure systems, policy development, and cross-campus collaboration will further advance Virginia Tech’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. We are pleased to welcome him to the university and look forward to the leadership he will provide.”

In his role as director of conflicts of interest and commitment disclosures, Fellers will lead and manage the university’s Conflict of Interest and Commitment programs. He will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university requirements; review and assess disclosures; develop and monitor management plans for identified conflicts; and oversee the university’s electronic disclosure systems. He will also collaborate closely with partners across the institution — including Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance, Research Security, Human Resources, Procurement, and the Office of General Counsel — to support a coordinated and consistent approach to risk mitigation and ethical standards.

Fellers also will focus on enhancing risk assessment practices, strengthening education and outreach, and fostering strong partnerships across campus to support a culture of compliance and ethics.

Fellers holds an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Virginia Tech and become part of Hokie Nation. I look forward to supporting our community in successfully navigating the regulatory requirements for conflicts of interest and commitment,” Fellers said. “I enjoy collaborating and engaging with departments and faculty so remaining compliant is a simple, straightforward, and relatively easy process. As someone who enjoys the outdoors throughout the year, moving to this region is just as exciting as joining Virginia Tech.”