For Immediate
Release
November 20, 2000
Governor
Announces New Economy Commissioner
Frankfort, Ky. - “There is no question that Dr. William “Bill” Brundage is ‘the cream of the crop’ in our national search for someone to be our first Commissioner of the New Economy,” said Governor Patton as he introduced Brundage during a news conference at the Capitol today. “Dr. Brundage knows the new economy, “ Patton added. “He is a scientist by training. He’s worked in the academic community. He’s been in business and established his own companies and he’s worked in the economic development programs in Florida and Kansas.”
Dr. Brundage is currently the Interim Executive Director of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Inc., a $300-million, 10-year program designed to coordinate the work of universities, medical schools, hospitals, research institutions, business and industry in the Kansas City area and make it a premier center for life sciences.
Brundage holds a 1967 doctorate in microbiology from Louisiana State University and has a successful track record in the fields of economic development and university research. He also served a stint as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corp.
The position that Governor Patton selected Brundage for is part of the New Economy initiative introduced by the governor, sponsored by House Speaker Jody Richards (House Bill 572) and approved by the General Assembly in the 2000 session. As commissioner Brundage will oversee the 16- member Kentucky Innovations Commission announced September 7th by Governor Patton.
The Commission, attached to the Governor’s Office, will provide a means for collaboration and joint planning among higher education, economic development and public and private sector leaders. It will offer ongoing advice, direction and policy recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly relating to technology-based businesses, research and development initiatives and related high skill training and education in the Commonwealth. The overall objective of the New Economy Initiative is aimed at bringing Kentucky into position to be a competitive player in the emerging knowledge-based economy.
Governor Patton will submit Brundages’s name for approval by the
Economic Development Partnership Board that is expected to consider the
selection next month.
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