About The Speaker
Mr. Goodman serves as director of the Economic Development Administration’s University Center at UALR, as well as Senior Economic Development Research Specialist with the University’s Institute for Economic Advancement.  With the University, Mark’s focus centers around community economic development data assistance, labor and retail analysis and economic impact studies, adding to the set of “tools” offered to local entrepreneurs, prospective businesses and the many communities throughout Arkansas and the region.

Over the twelve years prior to his position with UALR, Mark has served extensively in public economic development organizations.  Most recently, Mark served as director of the Center for Community and Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi.  Prior to his work with the University of Southern Mississippi, Mark’s career included positions with the Lamar County Economic Development District in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority in Jackson, Mississippi.

Mark received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Geography from the University of North Dakota before traveling to the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his Master’s Degree in Economic Development.  Mark holds the Certified Economic Developer designation and brings with him practical public sector experience in economic development techniques.