The Center's Personnel
Shad Sleeth- Executive Director
Shad Sleeth serves as the Executive Director of Bradley University’s Technology Commercialization Center 
and the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. In this role, Mr. Sleeth assists researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs and early stage companies with the development and growth of their business. Mr. Sleeth most recently served as a Regional Vice President of Sales for a Fortune 100 organization assisting entrepreneurs and existing enterprises with the development, implementation, and improvement of operating systems, sales and marketing strategies, market share growth, branding, and cost savings strategies. Through his work Mr. Sleeth was the recipient of the STAR award which is presented to one individual for the improvement of business processes within the organization. His experience negotiating numerous mergers and acquisitions assists entrepreneurs with the development and implementation of exit strategies and funding negotiations. With a rich background in sales, management, training, presentation development and delivery, and project management Mr. Sleeth is also able to assist entrepreneurs with the formation of core business functions within their organization. He holds a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from Illinois State University and he is also Six Sigma White Belt Certified.
Shirley Dawdy - Office Manager
Shirley Dawdy serves as the Office Manager for Bradley Technology Commercialization Center. Ms. Dawdy is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day services and administrative support activities of the office. In this capacity she serves as the primary point of initial contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to BTCC. She manages the client data base and reporting statistics, serves as editor of the newsletter; manages accounts receivable and payable, as well as, coordination and supervision of special events and department projects.
Ms. Dawdy attended Bradley University with a focus in sociology. She has worked in an executive administrative assistance role for the University over the last 36 years. She is experienced in organizing resources and establishing priorities and has the ability to effectively handle multiple and complex tasks and projects. Her knowledge of the University constituencies and community boards are beneficial in providing a wide range of networking capabilities needed to assist our clients.