The University of Montana has appointed Jeffrey Michael as the new director of its Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) following a nationwide search, the institution announced on Thursday. Michael, who previously held positions at the University of the Pacific in California, has already begun his tenure at the BBER.
The BBER, a component of UM’s College of Business, is renowned for its comprehensive reports and data on various aspects of Montana’s economy, including manufacturing and housing affordability. The bureau also organizes annual economic outlook seminars across the state.
Patrick Barkey, the long-standing director of the BBER, will transition to the role of research director until his planned retirement in June 2025. Barkey expressed enthusiasm about Michael’s appointment, stating, “We are exceptionally fortunate to welcome a new leader with Jeff Michael’s expertise and capabilities to Montana. He will immediately begin to make his mark on all aspects of our operations.”
Prior to joining UM, Michael served as the director of public policy at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law since 2021. His previous roles at the same institution included a 13-year stint as executive director of the Center for Business and Policy Research and director of the Business Forecasting Center within the Eberhardt School of Business.
Expressing his excitement about the new position, Michael said, “The BBER has an impressive history of assisting businesses, government entities, and the public in understanding Montana’s economic landscape. I am eager to contribute to the BBER’s mission and engage with Montana’s business and civic leaders on crucial and emerging economic issues.”
In his capacity as BBER director, Michael will lead a team of 20 research professionals at the nationally recognized research center. The bureau will continue its work producing economic and industry data for all regions of Montana and presenting economic forecasts throughout the state.
The BBER plays a vital role in Montana’s economic landscape, providing valuable insights and analysis that inform decision-making processes across various sectors. Its annual economic outlook seminars are particularly influential, offering stakeholders a comprehensive view of the state’s economic trends and forecasts.
Michael’s appointment comes at a time when economic research and analysis are increasingly crucial for navigating complex economic challenges and opportunities. His extensive experience in public policy and economic research is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the BBER’s work.
The transition in leadership is designed to ensure continuity and innovation at the BBER. With Barkey remaining as research director until his retirement, the bureau will benefit from a blend of established expertise and new ideas. This approach aims to maintain the BBER’s reputation for producing high-quality, relevant economic research while potentially expanding its scope and impact under Michael’s leadership.
As Montana faces evolving economic landscapes, including challenges in areas such as housing affordability and manufacturing, the BBER’s role in providing data-driven insights becomes even more critical. Michael’s leadership is expected to guide the bureau in addressing these pressing issues while continuing to serve as a trusted source of economic information for the state.
The University of Montana’s decision to conduct a nationwide search for this position underscores the importance of the BBER to the state’s economic understanding and planning. By bringing in talent from outside the state, UM aims to infuse new perspectives into Montana’s economic research landscape while building upon the strong foundation established by Barkey and his team.