The economic development director for the Marathon County Development Corporation has been named the special assistant to the chancellor for economic development at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
David Eckmann of Schofield will help UW-Stevens Point promote economic development in Central and Northern Wisconsin by building partnerships among the university, businesses, educational institutions and other external stakeholders. These partnerships could develop into stand-alone operations that contribute to the regional economies. He will also work with faculty and administrators to develop strategies for using university technology and resources to expand opportunities within the community. He begins his new job July 1.
“Dave is a well-respected leader with a proven record of successful economic development and a passion for education,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. “He is a great fit for this new position. UW-Stevens Point will be one of the first comprehensive universities in the state to have a staff member who is focused entirely on creating and strengthening economic development partnerships between the business community and the university.”
“I'm truly looking forward to becoming part of the UW-Stevens Point team, working with the leadership, faculty, staff and the students,” said Eckmann. “UW-Stevens Point plays an important role in economic development by providing quality education opportunities as well as research and development of new technologies.”
“In his new role, Dave will help UW-Stevens Point to further connect university talent with regional business and industry to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and economic expansion statewide,” said David Brukardt, UW System associate vice president for economic development. The UW System is recognized as one of the state’s largest economic development assets.
Eckmann has been with the Marathon County Development Corp. since 2007, working closely with municipal and corporate leaders to develop, implement and monitor several entrepreneurial and workforce development programs in the county. Previously, he worked for the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and was president of the Tannery Lane Co., Rib Lake.
Eckmann serves on the Centergy Board of Directors and is vice president of the Entrepreneurial Education Center Board of Directors. He is a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, International Economic Development Council and the Board of Governance for the Engineering and Global Leadership Academy for Wausau Public Schools. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arizona State University.
Skip to main content
