Underscoring the University of Iowa’s commitment to supporting and helping grow Iowa’s economy, UI President Sally Mason today named David Hensley as interim associate vice president for economic development. Hensley’s appointment to this new position takes effect Oct. 1.

David Hensley

Hensley, executive director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), will report to incoming Vice President for Research and Economic Development and former Microsoft executive Daniel Reed. In the new role, Hensley will plan and coordinate UI economic development activities; lead an integrated strategy across all units on campus that play a role in economic development; and provide leadership and oversight to the UI Research Foundation and Research Park.

For the time being, he also will continue to serve as JPEC executive director, providing strategic leadership and oversight of JPEC programs and engagement.

“I am delighted that David has agreed to fill this important new position,” says Mason. “The University of Iowa plays a major role in Iowa's economy through our groundbreaking research, technology transfer, commercialization, new company incubation, health care enterprise, athletic programs and arts events and, most critically, our role in educating Iowa’s future workforce. David has been a key contributor to this part of our mission, and I’m confident he’ll bring his energy, creativity, and wealth of experience as JPEC’s director to coordinate and enhance the university’s economic development activities.”

Hensley says he’s looking forward to building on the work of outgoing Vice President for Research and Economic Development Jordan Cohen and the UI’s economic development team. Cohen will hand the reins over to Reed on Oct. 15.

“With the addition of Dan Reed as the new vice president for research and economic development, I believe we are uniquely positioned to significantly enhance our economic development impact, expand external partnerships, and help advance new opportunities for our students, faculty and the community at large,” Hensley says.

Hensley, who is also a clinical professor in the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, came to the UI in 1999 and was named JPEC director the following year.

Prior to coming to Iowa City, he launched the JPEC at North Iowa Area Community College in 1997 and previously held numerous positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as well as operated his own consulting business.

He holds a masters of business administration degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a bachelor of science degree in political science and economics from the UI.

Currently he serves on several boards and external organizations, including the UI Research Foundation, Corridor Business Alliance, Iowa City Area Development Group, Technology Association of Iowa, EDC Inc., and Iowa First Capital Fund.