As Executive Director, Nolan provides overall leadership for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, as well as support for other programs of the UAA Business Enterprise Institute. Prior to taking his current role in 2014, Nolan served as Associate Director. He has been a strategic advisor to tribal governments, municipal governments, non-profits, Alaska Native Corporations and private business groups, assisting them in realizing their economic goals. Nolan’s areas of professional interest include feasibility analysis, rural economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation policy, and engagement between the public and private sectors. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council, is a board member for the University Economic Development Association, and serves on the Municipality of Anchorage Budget Advisory Commission. Nolan was named to Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2015. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts, History and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College.

A marketing minded economic developer fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business, Gretchen is the associate director for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development. She is responsible for leading the entrepreneurship, marketing, and outreach efforts of CED as well as providing strategic leadership for both CED and the UAA Business Enterprise Institute. Prior to joining CED, she worked in the State of Alaska Division of Economic Development, for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and in the private sector. From this experience, she developed keen insight to private, political, and governmental drivers and their impact on the economy. Gretchen has worked on a number of award-winning economic development projects, spoken at TEDx Anchorage, and was named to Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College, is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and earned her “Foundations in Design Thinking” certification from IDEO in 2018. Gretchen serves on the boards of Launch Alaska and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, is a member of the organizing committee for 1 Million Cups, and previously chaired the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board. She writes a monthly column about economic development for the Alaska Journal of Commerce.