Elaine Hansen

Biography

Elaine Hansen has been at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) since August 1999 and has served as the Director for the UMD Center for Economic Development (CED) since 2003. In her role she is also the Regional Director of both the Northeast and Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) covering the top third of the State’s geography. From February 2015 until November 2015 she also served as the Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations, Interim Director of Finance and co-director of Human Resources at UMD. Her contribution is felt each year, by the 800 entrepreneurs and business owners that the CED serves. Other public service positions Elaine has held include serving as - Commissioner of Administration for the State of Minnesota Finance Director for the City of Duluth, Director of Audits for the Office of the State Auditor, and Controller/Treasurer at Great Minnesota Corporation/Minnesota Technology. She is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA), has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Minnesota, is an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) through the National Development Council, a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and has worked with a number of non-profit organizations in financial management initiatives. Elaine is very active in community, state-wide and national organizations serving on boards and committees including Minneapolis Federal Reserve Great Lakes Advisory Council; Rotary District 5580 and Club 25; and other professional and community organizations.

Research Interest

Business & Entrepreneurial Support