Leslie Thornton-O’Brien is the Project Manager for the NSF COMPASS Center at Virginia Tech, bringing more than 15 years of higher education experience and a passion for strategic collaboration to her role. With a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Liberty University, Leslie excels at connecting the dots between vision and execution.

At the COMPASS Center, she oversees the day-to-day operations—from managing complex projects and strategic planning to event coordination and budget oversight. Leslie plays a key role in both the NSF COMPASS Center and the PPP DA initiative, driving impactful programming and ensuring smooth execution of events and initiatives. Her skillset also includes website design, program coordination, and social media marketing, all of which support the Center’s mission to foster innovation and engagement.

Leslie holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from New River Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech, and her Master’s from Liberty University. Her blend of communications expertise, project leadership, and creative thinking makes her an invaluable asset to the team—and a true advocate for advancing higher education.