The Fels Institute of Government announced Tuesday that David Thornburgh will be its new executive director. He succeeds political science professor Donald Kettl, who will return to full-time research and teaching.
Thornburgh comes to Fels from the Philadelphia-based regional economic consulting firm Econsult Corporation, where he spent the last year and a half. In his position as a senior advisor, he has been a consultant to nonprofit and for-profit clients on strategic planning, policy and communications issues.
"Someone said to me it felt like a custom fit," Thornburgh said of his new position with Fels.
Before Econsult, he said he ran a number of different organizations that were "all very much in the same universe as the Fels Institute."
Political science professor Jack Nagel - chair of the national search committee that selected Thornburgh - cited Thornburgh's commitment to public service, as well as his "strong knowledge of the region and the state" among his assets.
Thornburgh "comes to Fels with a distinguished record of leadership and entrepreneurship in regional economic development and civic affairs that has earned wide regard in the public and private sectors," said School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rebecca Bushnell, who made the final decision in selecting Thornburgh.
Thornburgh said, "Even knowing that Fels operates in a complex environment" - working with governments at various levels, as well as the nonprofit sector - he is "incredibly enthusiastic about diving in."
He added, "There are a lot of swirling currents, but that's the kind of environment that I really enjoy."
