Munday, Curry named to MSU economic development roles

Following the retirement of Missouri State University’s longtime economic development leader, two leadership appointments have been made.

Rachel Munday, executive director of the Efactory, will serve as assistant vice president of economic development. Matt Curry, assistant director at the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, will serve as executive director of JVIC.

The new roles start July 1.

MSU said both roles are critical to ongoing efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, research partnerships and economic growth.

“Rachel has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and a deep commitment to Missouri State University’s public affairs mission,” said Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships, in a news release. “Her ability to build partnerships and create meaningful impact across communities makes her the ideal person to lead our economic development efforts into the future.”

Munday, who joined the Efactory in 2015, has led the business incubator and entrepreneurial development center to increase its impact throughout the Springfield area and across Missouri.

According to MSU, Munday will provide leadership for economic development initiatives, partnerships and programs that connect businesses, communities, researchers and students to opportunities for growth and innovation in the new role. Munday will continue to oversee the Efactory, according to the university.

Curry, hired by MSU in 2001, has worked closely with university researchers, industry partners and tenant companies to advance innovation and applied research initiatives.

As executive director, he will oversee JVIC’s strategic direction, operations and partnerships while continuing to foster collaboration between academia and industry.

“Matt’s leadership, technical expertise and commitment to innovation have been instrumental to JVIC’s success,” Bodenhausen said in the release. “He understands the unique role JVIC plays in connecting research, industry and economic development, and I am confident he will continue building on the center’s strong reputation and impact.”

Together, they step into a role filled by Allen Kunkel, who recently retired. Kunkel was associate vice president for economic development since 2007 and director of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center since 2010, according to SBJ coverage of his retirement announcement.