Randy Pilkington

Executive Director - Business & Community Services

Randy Pilkington
Location

BCS 113FF

Phone
(319) 273-6945

Directory Contact

Randy Pilkington

Executive Director - Business & Community Services

Randy Pilkington serves as executive director of Business and Community Services (BCS), the economic and community development division for UNI with 12 outreach programs meeting the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout Iowa and beyond. Pilkington has been at UNI since 1987 when he was recruited to help launch the university’s economic development outreach programs. He has worked in all 99 Iowa counties and guided economic development plans and projects in more than 300 Iowa communities.

Even beyond his work, Pilkington gives back through community engagement and volunteering with economic development organizations. In his spare time, he also enjoys reading, boating and water sports, travel, and supporting Panther athletics.  

Education

M.A. and B.A., University of Northern Iowa (Geography – economic and urban emphasis)

Research Interests

Pilkington's areas of expertise include strategic planning, student entrepreneurship, angel and seed funding, economic impact, and regional development.

Professional Accomplishments

Pilkington has worked in all 99 Iowa counties and guided economic development plans and projects in more than 300 Iowa communities. He served as president of Professional Developers of Iowa, served on the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board of Directors, the twenty-first Century Workforce Council, and the Governors Council of Economic Advisors. He currently serves on the Iowa Business Council Deputy Committee, Iowa Innovation Council, Iowa Innovation Corporation, Cedar Valley TechWorks, the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Workgroup, and is co-chair of the UNI Research Foundation. He currently serves as director of Federal Relations, guiding UNI's federal relations activities. This role also includes lobbying on behalf of UNI and maintaining relationships with all six Iowa Congressional offices. He was awarded the Regent's Award for Staff Excellence in 2003.