Who We Are
The University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (UA CED) is a university-based partnership promoting economic diversity through entrepreneurship, community building, and action-oriented strategy. UA CED is a program of the University of Alaska Anchorage Business Enterprise Institute and is one of 72 University Centers designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
A team of lifelong learners and intellectually curious creators, we are action-oriented and results-driven.
Jared Reynolds - Executive Director
jwreynolds6@alaska.edu
Jared began as the Executive Director of CED in October 2024. He brings experience in entrepreneurship, economic and business development, and research. Jared previously led Do North, where he built regional and national entrepreneurial ecosystems. At Do North, he started the Forest Products Accelerator, the country’s first forest industry-focused accelerator, to work with companies developing new technologies with the potential to change the industry.
Jared previously held roles in economic development and research at the University of New Hampshire, AECOM, the Center for Municipal Finance and Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. He has also started and run numerous for-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire and graduate degrees from the University of Chicago.
Margo Fliss, EDP - Associate Director
mgowens@alaska.edu
Margo leads strategic engagement for UA CED and is part of growing Alaska‘s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a focus on helping early-stage entrepreneurs learn new tools to pursue their ideas. She currently runs CED’s Upstart Intern program and co-leads the Upstart Alpha student accelerator at UAA. Her talents lie in creating a collaborative and welcoming space for exploration and problem-solving. With a background in education, Margo believes facilitation and guided learning are a blend of art and science, and that the most important outcome of her process is an actionable, achievable framework. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Mills College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Margo is a certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader and earned her “Foundations in Design Thinking“ certification from IDEO in 2018. She currently serves as the Secretary for thread, on the board of the University Economic Development Association, and the UAA Center for Community and Engaged Learning Advisory Council.
Richelle Johnson, CEcD - Research and Technical Assistance Director
rmjohnson6@alaska.edu
As Research and Technical Assistance Director, Richelle uses her expertise in quantitative analysis, economics, and research to advance economic development on behalf of UA CED’s clients. Prior to joining UA CED, Richelle worked with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, the Alaska Energy Authority, and the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference, where she helped rural communities solve energy and development issues. She is experienced in market analysis, feasibility studies, business planning, and SWOT analysis. Her professional interests include energy policy and development, rural development, and discovering ways to use the strengths of our communities to create new opportunities. Richelle holds a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from the University of Alaska Anchorage and received the Fran Ulmer Transformative Research Award for her undergraduate capstone project. Richelle is on the board of the Blood Bank of Alaska
Ben Kellie - Entrepreneur in Residence
bmkellie@gmail.com
As EIR, Ben applies his years of experience as a startup founder to entrepreneur development programming, coaching and mentoring, and broader entrepreneurial ecosystem building. He is the CEO and Founder of The Launch Company, which was acquired by Voyager Space in 2021. Ben has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as well as an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the Ohio State University. Before returning to Alaska, he worked in rocketry at SpaceX, designing and operating launch sites, and ran the first missions to return a first stage from orbit. Ben serves on the board of the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Ian Mills, CEcD - Research and Data Manager
imills2@alaska.edu
As Research and Data Manager, Ian plays a key role in supporting the center's mission to foster economic growth and innovation across Alaska. In this role, Ian manages data collection and analysis, financial modeling, and is a key component of CED’s applied research and technical assistance efforts. Ian is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with a broad background in economic development, data management, and strategic planning. Ian’s professional interests include behavioral economics, macroeconomic market dynamics, economic efficiency and development, economic policy, data analysis, and investment. Ian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics. Ian also currently serves on the Anchorage Municipal Budget Advisory Commission. In this role, he provides insights and recommendations on the city’s budgeting process, helping shape policies that promote responsible fiscal management and sustainable economic development.
