Jackson County native Daniel Ostergaard, former executive director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council, is director of the IEF, effective Nov. 8. Ostergaard (pictured at right), president and founder of Pelorus Enterprises, an international business and governmental relations consulting firm, has been affiliated with the institute since 2006 as a senior policy fellow.

As part of a reorganization of the university’s efforts in economic development, the IEF is now a unit of the College of Business. There, the institute and its staff will work closely with the college’s Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which supports faculty research focusing on issues of innovation, new venture creation and growth, commercialization and technology transfer, and identification of funding sources.

“As a native of the Western North Carolina mountains, Dan Ostergaard is familiar with the economic development challenges facing this region,” WCU Chancellor John W. Bardo said in announcing the appointment. “As a former federal and state official and elected representative, he understands the need for a regional approach to research and policy issues. Dan brings the experience and set of skills the institute will need to continue its work to leverage the intellectual capital and resources of the university to help the region prosper.”

Ostergaard previously served as a homeland security and criminal justice liaison for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and served 11 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a sea-going officer. He was elected to local office as an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Washington, D.C., and he has led several official U.S. delegations abroad.

Among the activities of the IEF are research, policy analysis, and issue polling. The institute also crafts policy at the state and regional levels to foster growth and innovation in workforce development and industries – especially those with potential to have a positive impact on the WNC economy.

The activities of the IEF are in support of Western’s Millennial Initiative, a comprehensive regional economic development strategy made possible by the acquisition of 344 acres of property adjacent to the main campus. University officials plan to develop the property as a multiple-use neighborhood that will be home to a mix of academic buildings, research facilities, business, industry and housing.

Focusing on economic development and job creation in the region, the IEF will provide policy recommendations and advice to public and private sector entities, Ostergaard said.

“Growing up in this region, I want to ensure that the vast resources at Western Carolina University are engaged where appropriate with our local and community leaders to promote the overall economic well-being and quality of life for our fellow citizens,” he said.

The IEF, which routinely partners with other state and regional entities, includes:

- The Office of Sponsored Programs, which administers sponsored economic growth and development initiatives, including the Economic Development Administration program of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

- The Research, Survey and Polling Center, a survey research unit to focus on polling, analysis and focused survey research designed to meet the demands of public and private clients, and to conduct long-range research projects and economic impact analyses.

- The Center for Broadband Applications, focusing on the growing communication and business demands as high-speed Internet access comes to WNC.

Other efforts include faculty projects dedicated to social and venture capital, cluster mapping, agricultural issues, homeland and cyber security, educational technology, and recreation and tourism.

“At the end of the day, we will measure our success by how much we have contributed to the economic development of Western North Carolina, while helping to maintain our unique and priceless local culture,” Ostergaard said.

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Last modified: Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007