Sept. 8, 2006 -- Alan McVey, deputy director for the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, has accepted Arkansas State University’s offer to become the next executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development at ASU, announced Dr. Len Frey, dean of the College of Business.

"I am very pleased that Alan will be joining our College of Business leadership team. He has been instrumental in the success of numerous economic development projects throughout the state of Arkansas over the past decade," Frey stated. "His experience at the local, state and international levels will be invaluable to the efforts of the Delta Center and College of Business as we continue to strengthen our programs and expand our services throughout the region."

McVey, who has been employed at ADED since 1998, is responsible for community and business development for the state of Arkansas. He leads a team involved with business recruitment and retention, international trade, business finance and other aspects of economic development. He also has managed approximately $20 million in state and federal infrastructure funds used for recruiting and expanding business and industry.

"I consider the opportunity to join Dr. Frey and Arkansas State University a great honor," McVey said. "ASU and the Delta Center for Economic Development are having a positive impact on our state and it is a privilege to be part of the continued success.  Molly and I look forward to joining the ASU family and we will work hard to make a difference and improve the lives of the citizens of eastern Arkansas."

Frey emphasized that McVey’s eight years of experience in the state Department of Economic Development will benefit ASU immensely. Among his key accomplishments, he was very instrumental in securing passage of the Consolidated Incentive Act during the 2003 session of the Arkansas Legislature. The act is considered to be the most comprehensive and aggressive economic development package in the state’s history.

"Alan’s proven track record with mobilizing regional economic development activities will allow the Delta Center for Economic Development to continue the efforts began by Mark Young and to further provide services not only in Eastern Arkansas and the Delta, but across the state of Arkansas in cooperation with other centers and universities."

Young left the university to become president of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Larry Walther, director of ADED, also cited McVey’s qualifications and achievements at the state level as excellent preparation for his work at ASU.

"Alan McVey has been a tremendous asset to the state in our efforts to improve the lives of all Arkansans," Walther told Dean Frey.  "He is extremely skilled in the realm of economic development, and I can’t think of another person more qualified to lead the ASU team.  While you will find Alan is an expert in his field, you will also discover that a great person is joining your community."

Before joining ADED, McVey was a policy advisor to Gov. Mike Huckabee for two years. He also worked as a loan officer at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Stuttgart, and served several years as vice president of a family business.

In addition to his work at the state level, McVey has served as an alderman for the city of Des Arc, a board member for the Council of State Community Development Agencies, and the study advisory committee of the Little Rock National Airport. He also is vice president of the board of the Japan American Society of Arkansas, and was selected by the weekly newspaper Arkansas Business for their annual "40 under 40" recognition in 1999.

Frey said he expects McVey to begin work at ASU on Sept. 18. The Delta Center for Economic Development is located on Lindbergh Drive at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.