City Manager, City of Houghton – Chairman

Eric is the City Manager of Houghton. Prior to that, he was a Civil Engineering Project Manager focusing on large municipal projects throughout the Upper Peninsula for more than 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Tech and is a Registered Professional Engineer.

City Manager, City of Hancock – Secretary

VP of Research, Michigan Technological University – Treasurer

Andrew served as Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State until 2024. He has been a faculty member at Michigan Tech in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering since 2014, serving in roles of assistant, associate, and adjunct professor. He served Director of the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech from 2019-2021 and Director of the Center for Acoustics and Vibration at Penn State from 2023-2024. He previously was a research associate at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State for eight years. He received his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech in 2002 and 2004, respectively. He received a PhD in Acoustics from Penn State University in 2010. Dr. Barnard is Board Certified by the Institute for Noise Control Engineering (INCE). Dr. Barnard has interests in acoustics, noise control, and vibration, as well as water resources and marine technology. Currently, he is interested in commercialization of smart beach safety technology and carbon nanotube (CNT) loudspeakers. He is also interested in the acoustics of ice-covered environments for classification of ice conditions and localization and tracking of moving sources on- and under-ice using machine learning techniques. Finally, he is interested in the implementation of maritime autonomous vehicles in commercial and defense applications

Executive Director, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance – Vice-Chair

Jeff has a wide range of community and economic development experience. Over his 25 year economic development career in small rural communities he has worked with manufacturers and commercial businesses to identify financing and operational problems, obtain expansion financing and address management issues; worked with manufacturers and commercial businesses to solve employee screening, training, infrastructure and regulatory issues; worked with identified prospects to provide custom site location information package incentives and numerous business locations resulting in new jobs and millions of dollars in new investment; identified, packaged and managed infrastructure development to serve business expansions and locations; counseled start up and existing businesses, reviewed business plans, facilitated strategic planning, provided ongoing financial review and packaged loans for bank and EDC-managed revolving loan fund financing.

VP of Community Engagement, Michigan Technological University – Trustee

Dr. Wayne Gersie brings extensive experience in community engagement, leadership, and organizational development. He currently serves as Vice President for Community Engagement at Michigan Technological University. Gersie holds a PhD in Workforce Education and Development, along with multiple advanced degrees and leadership certifications from institutions such as Penn State, Harvard University, Cornell University, and the Center for Creative Leadership. His expertise in cultural awareness, inclusivity, and community partnerships will strengthen MTEC SmartZone’s mission to support regional growth and build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UP.

President, Omni Tech – Trustee

Lee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and has taken classes towards her MBA from Central Michigan University.

Executive Director, Business Engagement and Economic Development, Northern Michigan University – Trustee

David Nyberg serves as Executive Director of Business Engagement and Economic Development at Northern Michigan University, a role that focuses on advancing holistic partnerships with industry, economic and community leaders, and other mission-aligned institutions. Dave previously served as Deputy Legal Counsel and Tribal Governments Liaison for Governor Rick Snyder as well as director of the governor’s Northern Michigan Office.

Resident Entreprenuer, Pittsburg Life Sciences Greenhouse – Trustee

Alan was the first CEO of the MTEC SmartZone. A known entity to the Keweenaw, Alan has extensive knowledge in Michigan Tech, the Copper Country, Life Sciences, and commercialization. He is currently the Resident Entrepreneur at Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse. Previously, Alan served as COO at Carmell Therapeutics Corporation. Alan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University and a Master of Science degree in Design Engineering from Tufts University.

Founder, Remote Workforce Keweenaw – Trustee

After 20 years with the Kansas Department of Administration, Keith made his way north and quickly put down roots in the Keweenaw. He is the Founder of Remote Workforce Keweenaw and Owner of Decompress U. In addition to his entrepreneurial work, he serves as Vice Chair of the Chassell Township Planning Commission, President of the Chassell Historical Organization (since August 2020), and Secretary of the Hancock Trails Club. Keith is an active and engaged community member—and a valued asset to the MTEC Board.

Financial Advisor, Edaward Jones – Trustee

Brent Peterson is MTEC’s newest Class B Trustee and member of the Investment Committee. Peterson is a seasoned Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist known for helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial success. A former Michigan Tech hockey standout and NHL player, he has demonstrated leadership both on the ice and in his professional career. His deep community involvement and passion for supporting regional growth make him a valuable addition to MTEC SmartZone.