The VERG co-chair Michael Batie has accepted a new role outside of Berkeley Lab and is in the process of transitioning from his role here at the Lab. It’s been an incredible experience to work with Michael in bringing some of our projects to fruition, like the formation of our Outreach Committee that had their kickoff meeting today. I’d like to congratulate Michael in his new position and thank him for his outstanding contributions to our community.
When Rich and I were working on our succession plan so he could begin to hand off responsibilities after several years as our co-chair, one of the leaders we were having discussions with was Abiola Ashorobi. At the time, Abiola was just starting in a new role as a Senior Export Compliance Analyst at the Lab Directorate and was unable to put her name into the hat for consideration.
Now that Abiola has had a chance to get settled into her new position, she has graciously agreed to step in as our interim co-chair. We will be working closely with Minh and Janie to review our succession planning so can schedule a vote in accordance with our bylaws.
I’m also grateful for Alex Degg for coordinating with our HR and IDEA partners to develop starting goals for the Outreach Committee she is heading up and to the group who was able to participate in our foundational meeting.
Again, best wishes to Michael on his new career change and welcome Abiola as our interim co-chair!
Respectfully,
Jason Bush
Co-Chair, Veterans ERG
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Bio:
Abiola Ashorobi, Export Control Analyst, Berkeley Lab Counsel
Abiola serves as an Export Compliance Analyst responsible for assisting the Chief Export Compliance Officer with programmatic priorities and implementing best practices to mitigate export control risks.
Abiola joined the Procurement Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 2016. Prior to joining the Laboratory, she enjoyed numerous years of practice at the Law Firm of Power & Dixon, P.C. in Chicago, IL. Abiola ventured out into private practice for several years, prior to her serving as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Illinois.
Abiola has worked as an Adjunct Professor in the areas of Constitutional Law and Ethics and she has also worked as a Subject Matter Advisor with Pearson Learning Solutions developing nationwide curriculum in both areas.
Abiola is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago (B.A. Criminal Justice), and DePaul University College of Law (J.D.). She is a current member of the Illinois bar.
