Kenan Institute scholars are seasoned innovators, recognized for their thought leadership and ability to apply leading-edge knowledge to the competitive challenges facing companies and communities.
Jack Kasarda
Director, Kenan Institute and Center for Air Commerce
Kasarda defined the “aerotropolis” concept and is the leading expert on airport-driven economic development.
Noel Greis
Director, Center for Logistics and Digital Strategy
Greis leads a global network of partners pioneering the use of technology to advance logistics and supply chain management.
Jim Johnson
Director, Urban Investment Strategies Center
Social entrepreneur and urban investment scholar, Johnson creates model programs to educate and empower traditionally disenfranchised groups.
Brent Lane
Director, Center for Competitive Economies
Lane helps communities, regions and states around the world make strategic decisions and investments to become economically competitive and prosperous.
Thomas Stith
Program Director, Economic Development
Stith draws on knowledge and experience in both the public and private sectors to promote economic growth in eastern North Carolina.
Paul Wedel
President and Executive Director, Kenan Institute Asia
Wedel exported the Kenan Institute model to Thailand, demonstrating how to create sustainable economic development in emerging markets.
Steve Appold
Senior Research Associate, Center for Air Commerce
Appold specializes in the intersection of demography and public policy, focusing on population trends, their economic impact and their influence on municipal finance.
Nick Didow
Senior Fellow
Didow brings a passion for public service and knowledge and networks from UNC to help rural North Carolinians become globally competitive.
Jason Jolley
Senior Research Director, Center for Competitive Economies
Jolley brings experience on the ground in local economic development and related agencies, creating and implementing community strategies to create jobs and prosperity.
Mark Little
Senior Research Associate for Economic Development
Little brings a broad, international background to renewable energy development, environmental sustainability and policy analysis.
Monica Nogueira
Director, Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Center for Logistics and Digital Strategy
Nogueira specializes in designing novel intelligent processes, tools and logistics practices.