SMITHFIELD, RI: Bryant University announces the appointment of Eva-Marie Mancuso as director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. Mancuso, who is currently special advisor to Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, will start at the Chafee Center on October 1.
As a former chair of the Rhode Island Board of Education and special advisor for Governor Dan McKee, Mancuso has a deep understanding of Rhode Island’s diverse business landscape and the needs of the business community. In Governor McKee’s office, she advised on strategy and budget formulation in key policy areas of transportation and higher education. With a career that spans the government, non-profit, and legal sectors, Mancuso is skilled at working with diverse stakeholders and constituents.
“The Chafee Center is a valued part of Bryant University, a strategic partner for the state of Rhode Island, and a practical resource for the students and businesses who benefit from its international export and foreign direct investment programming," said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. "We welcome Eva-Marie Mancuso’s expertise in developing and leveraging partnerships with government and industry. Her leadership will help to elevate the impact of the Chafee Center and, in alignment with Vision 2030, further the position of Bryant University as a recognized leader in business education and higher education engagement with industry and government.”
Named after the late U.S. senator from Rhode Island, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business serves as an integral resource for Rhode Island small businesses seeking to expand internationally. From running international trade shows and missions to consulting services, the Chafee Center utilizes Bryant’s experienced faculty, talented students, and the center’s expert staff to help Rhode Island enterprises grow their reach beyond the U.S. borders.
"Eva-Marie's leadership will help to elevate the impact of the Chafee Center and, in alignment with Vision 2030, further the position of Bryant University as a recognized leader in business education and higher education engagement with industry and government.”
“I am looking forward to collaborating with and supporting Eva-Marie Mancuso in her role as the director of the Chafee Center. Her arrival brings a fresh perspective to the Chafee Center’s mission of fostering world trade through collaboration with the university's academic programs and partnerships,” remarked Edinaldo Tebaldi, Ph.D., executive director of strategic planning and institutional effectiveness at Bryant.
The Chafee Center, in partnership with Rhode Island Commerce, manages Rhode Island’s STEP grant. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade, this national export initiative awards matching funds to assist small businesses with entering and expanding into international markets. The Chafee Center works with Rhode Island small business owners by enrolling them in the STEP program and assisting them in receiving STEP funding.
"I am honored and excited to join the Bryant University team as the director of the Chafee Center. Advancing international trade is an investment that is important for the growth of our state economy," said Mancuso. "Expanding the work of the Chafee Center supports President Gittell's Vision 2030 strategic plan and aligns with the state’s 2030 vision for Rhode Island’s economy. I look forward to collaborating with the Bryant community to develop additional research and learning opportunities and with Governor McKee, our federal partners, and private business owners to maximize their export potential."
“Eva-Marie Mancuso has played a key role in our administration, navigating complex issues and helping to implement our agenda,” said Governor McKee. “We look forward to continuing to work with her in this new position with the John H. Chafee Center for International Business as she strengthens partnerships within industry and government, all with the goal of increasing the exports of Rhode Island businesses.”
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 428-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual and Barron’s. Bryant.edu
About Bryant University’s Vision 2030
The Vision 2030 strategic plan sets an exciting trajectory for Bryant University. Priorities include an ecosystem of academic excellence, vibrant student life, community and belonging, and championing economic mobility. Vision2030.Bryant.edu
