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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center (JREC) hired Katherine Roth as its Executive Director. Ms. Roth began her new role on August 15, 2017.

Ms. Roth has served as a consultant for the University of Jamestown. In this role, she helped secure crucial funding and partnerships for the development of the JREC. As Executive Director, Ms. Roth will provide leadership for resource development and rural innovation, as well as seek grants to sustain the annual budget.

“We had an exceptionally strong pool of applicants for the Executive Director position.  Katherine has a strong background in federal agency work, grant funding, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to the Center,” stated Tena Lawrence, VP of Marketing and Communications and search committee chair.

Prior to her role at the University of Jamestown, Ms. Roth served in roles within the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she provided technical assistance to business owners and ensured resources were marshalled to these organizations, fostering their continued growth and sustainability.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, communication, German, and Spanish from the University of Jamestown.  Later she completed an MBA at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

Ms. Roth expresses her excitement at the founding of the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center.

“The formation of the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center is a direct result of the vision of Dr. Robert Badal and Tena Lawrence at the University of Jamestown.  I am very thankful that I was able to contribute to the strategic planning process they have established.  The key participation of steering committee members has provided leadership and guidance to the development of the scope and direction of the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center.  The Center’s mission is to develop and launch successful businesses in the south central counties in North Dakota.”

The Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center will serve as a resource to help individuals analyze and develop business ideas with partnering agencies and specialists. The JREC is set to open in September. Although the JREC is an independent entity, it will be initially housed on the University of Jamestown campus in the Unruh-Sheldon Center. The location will also allow UJ students to become involved in the center.

Individuals interested in participating in the JREC should visit www.JREcenter.com or contact Ms. Katherine Roth at Katherine.Roth@uj.edu for more information.