CREC Research Fellows expand our capacity to equip regional leaders with cutting-edge insights on entrepreneurship, workforce, and economic transformation. Their expertise ensures our partners benefit from the nation’s top thinkers applying research to real-world challenges, advancing CREC’s mission of helping communities compete and thrive.
Ellen D. Harpel
Senior Research Fellow
Ellen Harpel is the founder of Business Development Advisors and Smart Incentives, where she helps communities make data-driven decisions on business growth and incentive strategies. She brings decades of experience advising economic development organizations at the local, state, and national levels, with expertise in investment, job creation, and program evaluation. Her work ensures regions apply practical insights to strengthen competitiveness and accountability.
Erik R. Pages
Senior Research Fellow
Erik Pages is President of EntreWorks Consulting, advising governments, nonprofits, and business leaders on building entrepreneurial ecosystems. His work spans more than 40 states and international clients, with projects ranging from designing statewide business development programs to evaluating innovation initiatives. Erik brings deep expertise in fostering entrepreneurship, supporting communities through economic transition, and applying innovative strategies that help regions compete in a changing economy.
Andrew Reamer
Senior Research Fellow
Andrew Reamer focuses on strengthening U.S. competitiveness through research on innovation, workforce development, and economic policy. His work bridges research and practice, informing national decision-makers and guiding foundations and federal advisory councils. With experience at George Washington University, Brookings, and as a consultant, Andrew brings unmatched expertise in economic statistics and policy design that equips regions and leaders to make smarter, data-informed choices.
Henry Renski
Senior Research Fellow
Henry Renski is a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst whose research explores the technological and social forces shaping regional competitiveness. He specializes in entrepreneurship, cluster-based development, and workforce mobility, applying advanced spatial analysis to policy challenges. As Director of the UMASS Center for Economic Development, Henry ensures communities, states, and agencies have access to actionable insights that guide sustainable growth and innovation.