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TBED People and Organizations

September 30, 2009

Kathy Collins has been appointed as the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN) regional director in Madison. Previously, Collins worked as the technology and financial development manager in the Commerce Division of Business Development.

Ron Cox has been appointed as the assistant dean for economic development in the engineering college at Iowa State University. He retains his current position as director of CIRAS, the Center for Industrial Research and Service.

Frank DiBello, a veteran aerospace consultant who’s been Space Florida’s interim president since May, was named as the permanent leader of the aerospace development agency.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert appointed businessman and philanthropist Spencer Eccles to lead the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Eccles, son of the former First Security chairman and CEO Spencer Eccles, will be joined by Josh Romney, son of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. The younger Romney will serve as the state’s national business recruitment policy advisor.

John Hardin has been named Executive Director-Office of Science and Technology, a Division of NC Commerce.

Mike Tramontina resigned as the director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, effective immediately. The Department of Economic Development will report to Richard Oshlo, the interim director of the Department of Management, while new leadership at IDED is being considered.

President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

  • Daniel Yohannes, Chief Executive Office, Millennium Challenge Corporation
  • ArunMajumdar, Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, Department of Energy
Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin