MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy names Mark Skidmore interim director
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EmailSkidmore will serve in this interim role while a nationwide search for a new director is underway.
Mark Skidmore has been named the interim director of the Michigan State University Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy. He steps in for Eric Scorsone who was recently appointed executive director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.
The Center for Local Government Finance and Policy was founded in 2015 to help Michigan “thrive local” by supporting communities in their efforts to efficiently deliver critical public services that safeguard their health, safety, and well-being. This work includes using data-driven decision making and tools that provide a successful foundation for cities like Lansing, Detroit, and many additional municipalities to work through financial challenges and best respond to the needs of their residents.
Dave Ivan, director of community, food and environment-related programming for MSU Extension said Skidmore was a natural choice.
“Dr. Skidmore has strong local and regional government experiences in both research and outreach,” Ivan said. “Mark has served as interim director in the past and has provided a steady hand during transitions. He will ensure that both the Center and their clients continue their policy work while a nationwide search for a new director is undertaken.”
Skidmore said he hopes to continue building on his predecessor’s strong track record as MSU Extension searches for a permanent director.
“Dr. Scorsone and his colleagues have put together the tools and resources to help local governments of all sizes manage their fiscal and intergovernmental affairs.”
Skidmore is also the Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy, a position that engages in research, education and Extension focused on policy analysis that helps governmental units attract people and businesses to communities, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, and advance Michigan’s economic competitiveness. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Colorado.
National search underway for new director
Located within the MSU Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics and in partnership with MSU Extension, the Center for Local Government Finance and Policy seeks applicants for the director position through April 30, 2024. The director of the Center is tasked with overseeing implementation of programming relating to local government finance and public utility finance and ratemaking regulation.
Together, these two areas of focus serve to enhance decision-making for public officials through a diverse offering of training, engagement, and applied research opportunities. Additional information is available at careers.msu.edu by searching for job posting 935124.
