Steve Wrigley, Director

The initial point of contact for clients and the general public, the Director's Office provides leadership for the Institute within the University and throughout the state.

Faculty & Staff >>

Karen Baynes, Associate Director

Whether by helping a local government evaluate its operating procedures, conducting an economic-impact study, or carrying out a public-opinion survey, the Governmental Services and Research division provides needs-based research, analysis, and assistance to state and local officials on diverse policy, management, and operational issues.

View a list of some of our research and services.

• applied research related to specific client concerns
• consolidation studies
• classification/compensation studies
• economic modeling and impact analysis
• environmental research and policy analysis
• funding equity studies
• general personnel management
• legal research and technical assistance
• legislative research
• local government manager search studies
• performance appraisal and promotional systems assessments
• planning and zoning assistance
• program evaluations
• service delivery evaluations
• survey research and data services
• policy analysis

Faculty & Staff >>

Laura Meadows, Associate Director

Making certain that a newly elected official understands the powers and limitations of his or her office, teaching a state government accountant or city or county clerk about new regulations, or providing opportunities for state and local officials to enhance their leadership skills are all part of a day’s work for faculty and staff in the Governmental Training, Education, and Development division.

View a list of quality customized training and consultation programs provided for elected and appointed officials, managers, boards, and authorities.

• leadership and management development
• financial management development
• elected officials training
• local and state government certificate programs
• government professional associations
• law-based education
• boards, authorities, and commissions training
• state legislative training
• local government training

Faculty & Staff >>

Eric McRae, Associate Director

As a nationally recognized leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) innovation, the Information Technology Outreach Services (ITOS) division provides sophisticated technological services to support government and community activities. ITOS’s work has included providing tax parcel mapping for local governments, Web applications for the United Nations, new mapping standards for the National Hydrography Dataset, and decision-making tools for private utilities.

ITOS Web site >>

Faculty & Staff >>

Rusty Brooks, Associate Director

Through academic programs, practitioner training, consulting, and exchanges, the International Center for Democratic Governance (ICDG) helps officials who are transitioning their governments to democratic systems to develop participatory, responsive, sustainable, and efficient governments and communities.

ICDG Web site >>

Faculty & Staff >>

Karen Barger, Assistant Director

Through coordination of all Institute internal business related to finances, information technology, and personnel and facilities management, the Office of Administration ensures that the Institute is operating at optimal capacity so that its faculty and staff can respond readily to client needs.

Faculty & Staff >>

Joycelyn Trigg, Manager

The Office of Communications is responsible for conveying information about the full range of services provided by the Vinson Institute to the general public and current and potential clients through such activities as creating and maintaining the Institute’s Web site, producing news stories, handling media relations, and coordinating general marketing and public relations. The office also coordinates the publication and marketing of relevant research and reference materials and publications that bring the Institute’s work to a wider audience.

Faculty & Staff >>