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 52 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. 


 
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Nolan Klouda, CEcD - Executive Director
nfklouda@alaska.edu

As Executive Director, Nolan provides overall leadership for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (UA CED), as well as support for other programs of the UAA Business Enterprise Institute. Prior to taking his current role in 2014, Nolan served as Associate Director. Nolan’s areas of professional interest include feasibility analysis, rural economic development, entrepreneurship programming, and public policy. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council, and serves on the Municipality of Anchorage Budget Advisory Commission. Nolan was named to Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2015. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts, History and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College. He lives in Anchorage with his wife Michelle, daughter Cecilia, and son Winston.

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Margo Fliss - 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.

 
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Richelle Johnson - Lead Analyst
rmjohnson6@alaska.edu

As Lead Analyst, 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 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

Ian Mills - Economic Analyst
imills2@alaska.edu

As an Economic Analyst, Ian works on UA CED’s applied research projects. Prior to joining UA CED, he worked in UAA Administrative Services as an Accounting Assistant and as a Fixed Asset Manager. In the accounting department he oversaw, and helped to direct, the adoption of new processes and practices which were designed to be streamlined, secure, and time-saving. Ian is experienced with data management and analysis, workflow management, and research practices. Professionally, he is interested in macroeconomic market dynamics, economic efficiency and development, economic policy, and investment. Ian graduated from UAA with a BBA in Economics.

 

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 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.

Graham DeNoyer - Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum Specialist
gsdenoyer@alaska.edu

As an Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum Specialist, Graham leverages his extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and leading cross-functional teams to empower aspiring business leaders. Prior to joining UA CED, Graham served 20 years managing complex operations, technology, innovation projects, and logistics programs in the military. He is deeply skilled in developing resilient mindsets, decision-making under pressure, and fostering innovation in dynamic environments. Graham’s professional interests center on passing on entrepreneurial skills and resilient leadership strategies forged through adversity. He excels at designing experiential learning programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that equip entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty. Graham holds an MBA in Information Systems and various certifications in process improvement, business process integration, human-centered design, and others.


 

Want to keep up with Team UA CED? Check out our Instagram feed, where we share some of our adventures!