People

Several staff changes occur within the U.S. Department of Commerce:

• President Bush is nominating Al Frink to serve as the department's assistant secretary for manufacturing and services.
• Theodore Kassinger was confirmed by the Senate Commerce Committee to become deputy secretary. And,
• Benjamin Wu, the deputy undersecretary for technology, will be nominated to fill Bruce Mehlman's former position as assistant secretary for technology policy.

Scott Davis will be the new director for the University of Arizona Office of Economic Development.

Dave Eater has announced his departure from the New Jersey Science and Technology Commission.

Jill Felix, chief executive officer of the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, has announced she is stepping down.

Marye Ann Fox, chancellor of North Carolina State University, is moving on to become chancellor of the University of California, San Diego.

Don Gentry, vice provost for engagement at Purdue University, has announced his retirement.

South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed Jim Hagen to serve as secretary of the governor's Office of Economic Development.

Pam Inmann is the new executive director of the Western Governors Association.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney appointed Ranch Kimball to serve as his new economic development secretary.

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development announced the following three staff appointments: Leigh McIntosh was named special projects director, Katherine Needham is a new senior vice president, and Roger Cranville will serve as senior vice president of business investment for the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

Nancy Stark has left the National Center for Small Communities to direct the new Rural Governance Initiative, a joint venture of the Rural Policy Research Institute and the Corporation for Enterprise Development.

Brian Vogt is the new director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade in the Colorado Office of the Governor.

The Association of American Universities has named Pat White to serve as director of federal relations.

Washington Gov. Gary Locke appointed Juli Wilkerson to serve as director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, replacing Martha Choe, who is now serving as state coordinator for the Boeing 7E7 project.