With a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, immense curiosity and a driving passion to make a positive difference in the world, Dr. Tommy Darwin has built and delivered important work in many professional arenas. His interests center on Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Planning, and Community Engagement.
He has previously held academic positions including Director of Professional Development and Community Engagement in UT's Graduate School, Director of Community Partnerships for UT, and Director of UT's highly-regarded Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium. He also served as a tenured Associate Professor at The University of Memphis.
Tommy's consulting work spans a wide cross section of the government, non-profit and corporate sectors. He has taught classes for under grads to post docs, assisted in the creation of cutting-edge MBA curriculum and helped companies increase productivity. Tommy's workshops and presentation audiences have included the Center for Technology Commercialization, Manchester University, UK; The Entrepreneurial University Initiative at Oxford University in the UK, UT's Engineering Leadership Institute, and a Keynote Address at the National Association of Planning Councils. In 2003, he was the winner of Academic Innovation Award presented by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service.

Rip Rowan is a mission-driven professional with unique skills in developing workforce markets, leveraging public resources and creating successful business/education partnerships. With extensive experience in front-line service operations and entrepreneurial start-ups, he has a proven background in business management, sales and new market creation. Rip's efforts have consistently grown business with clients across the corporate, education, non-profit and government sectors.
He is a serial entrepreneur with award-winning record implementing employment strategies that produce profitable social impacts. Rip's work was a key component in winning the National Association of Workforce Board's 2001 national partnership of the year and his small business (Productive Works) was awarded the Texas Workforce Commission's 2004 Employer of the Year. Rip holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas, and a Masters in Business Administration from Georgia State University.
Rip's work in workforce development is driven by his commitment to building community and fighting poverty through meaningful economic growth for people. Rip has managed national software business development, regional food service operations, staff providing job placement services, internships for school-to-work and welfare-to-work programs, and generated numerous innovative partnerships to help individuals secure gainful employment.
His work in Avail is focused on creating scalable social enterprise and intellectual property based in entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, workforce development, and business development. He is passionate about his family and professionally works hard to increase productivity, improve performance and improve results for people.