Elaine Hansen

Biography

 Elaine has served as the Director for the UMD Center for Economic Development and the Regional Director for the NE Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) since 2003.   She plays an active role on committees and boards for economic development in the Northeast and Northwest Regions of Minnesota, the state of Minnesota and also serves on the Education Committee and as Chair of the BEDC Course Director’s Committee for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  She is a certified public accountant (CPA) licensed in the State of Minnesota, has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, is an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) through the National Development Council, a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), and a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Prior to her work at UMD, Elaine served as the Commissioner of Administration for the State of Minnesota, and as the Finance Director for the City of Duluth.  She has extensive experience in the public and private sectors working with businesses of various sizes, has continually worked to help entrepreneurs and businesses grow and succeed, and has been recognized for her work with women entrepreneurs and business owners.  Along with her work in the public sector she volunteers in areas relating to financial literacy, particularly with youth; public broadcasting serving on the WDSE and Beck Foundation Boards; local Rotary and District Rotary positions including youth leadership programs, president-elect and District Treasurer; the Voyageurs Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Federal Reserve Great Lakes Advisory Council, and the Spirit Mountain Board of Directors.

Research Interest

 Business and Finance