Lenore VanderZee Elected University Economic Development Association Board Chair
Lenore VanderZee was elected chair of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) for a term beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
She currently works as Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications at the State University of New York at Canton. In this role she works on economic development, workforce, and innovation/ entrepreneurship initiatives, including oversight of the Center for Community, Workforce, & Industry Partnerships, the Small Business Development Center, and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs. She has served on the UEDA board for over six years and brings a wealth of experience to guide the association.
2026 UEDA Officers include:
President Elect: Carol Stewart, University of Arizona, Tech Parks Arizona
Vice Chair: Juli Golemi, Georgia Institute of Technology
Treasurer: Sandra Marin Ruiz, Florida Atlantic University
Secretary: Margo Fliss, University of Alaska
Immediate Past Chair: Teresa Merriweather Orok, Alabama A+M University
2026 Members at Large
- Rob DeCleene, Indiana University South Bend
- Omar Faison, Virginia State University
- Melody Flowers, University of Kentucky
- Carolyn Fryberger, NCGrowth
- Jessica Gnad, Kansas State University
- Bruce Hunter, University of Utah
- Mary Frances Postupack, East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania
- Frederick Steinmann, University of Nevada, Reno
- Elli Travis, Virginia Tech
About UEDA
Established in 1976, the University Economic Development Association brings together higher education institutions, private sector businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community economic development stakeholders to create local and regional economic opportunity. Our membership has grown to more than 160 organizations, who represent those at the leading edge of modern economic development thinking and practice.
Media Contact:
David Deutsch
(571) 397-2360