Key Leadership

Dr. Bill Dobbins, Board Member and President of Caster Concepts, Inc.

Bill Dobbins has been the visionary leader of Caster Concepts, an industrial caster manufacturing company in Albion, Michigan for over 16 years after having spent 25 years of his career as a medical doctor. In addition to leading Caster Concepts, Bill provides leadership on boards for various non-profits in the greater Albion area as well as leading the effort to revitalize Albion’s historic downtown.

Elmer Lee, Board Member and Chief Exploration Officer at Conceptual Innovations

Elmer Lee has over 20 years of experience working in the engineering and robotics fields. In addition to his role with Conceptual Innovations, Dr. Lee works with Concord Community School District as a FIRST Robotics coach and mentor for FRC team 5205 Full Metal Jackets. In addition to his work with Concord Community Schools, Elmer has been on the forefront in developing INNOVATE Albion as hub for robotics teaching and training in Albion.

Emily Verbeke, Board Member, Parent and FLL Robotics Coach for Albion Robotics

An Albion College and University of Denver graduate, Emily has a long career as a school psychologist and business owner. Emily, her husband Joe and son Ian reside in Albion where Emily works at Special Projects Manager for the Foundry Bakehouse and Deli, Caster Concepts, Pure Albion and The Office Albion. Emily also volunteers with local nonprofits and has mentored the FLL Albion Robotics team at INNOVATE Albion.

Caroline Hurteau, Executive Director

An Albion College graduate, Caroline works as the Community Liaison for Caster Concepts. Her work is focused on the community work that Caster Concepts is involved in throughout the Albion area including the Run Albion 5k Series, Swingin’ at the Shell summer concert series and now INNOVATE Albion.

Annette Norris, Board Member and Education Manager at GoEngineer

Annette Norris has been involved in education and training for 35+ years, with a background ranging from K-12 to Community Colleges & Universities.  Her experience includes providing hands-on after-school and summer workshops for middle school students, developing and implementing academic and social programs for youth in grades K-12. She has experience developing customized training curriculum and providing linkages with business, industry, and community organizations.