Experienced Executive to Direct Economic, Business Engagement for UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — An experienced entrepreneur and business executive is joining The University of Alabama to oversee economic and business engagement.

Dan Blakley began Jan. 6 as associate vice president for economic and business engagement in the UA Office for Research and Economic Development. He will be instrumental in executing the five-year Economic Development Priorities and Strategic Goals that emphasizes increasing impactful activities that affect economic and societal development.

“I am thrilled that Dan will be joining UA,” said Dr. Russell J. Mumper, vice president for research and economic development. “He brings the necessary experience to help ignite our progress in developing relationships that benefit our research enterprise while providing more opportunities for our students to engage with the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.”

Blakley comes at an important time, since the Office for Research and Economic Development recently launched a five-year strategic plan that articulates UA’s vision for its research and economic development missions, Mumper said.

Blakley’s responsibilities include providing oversight and direction for the GulfQuest operation in Mobile, EDGE Labs, UA Center for Economic Development and the business outreach centers, including the Alabama International Trade Center, Alabama Small Business Development Center and the Alabama Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Blakley has also been involved in various entrepreneurial initiatives at UA. He helped establish The EDGE and served as an adviser and mentor for entrepreneurial teams participating in Crimson Startup, a National Science Foundation funded I-Corp program. He founded American Renewable Metals LLC, a Tuscaloosa-based technology company.

He has also consulted with the Office for Research and Economic Development on a strategic plan for the new Office of Economic and Business Engagement.

He was previously city president for Regions Bank in Tuscaloosa from 2009 to 2018. His community involvement includes serving as chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, president of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America, member of the Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors, member of the DCH Foundation Board and an ex-officio board member of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority Board, among others.

Blakley earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University, and he served in the U.S.  Army from 1996-2000, where he provided nuclear, biological and chemical support. He is also a graduate of the Alabama Leadership Institute.