University of Montana hires new head of Bureau of Business and Economic Research • Daily Montanan

After a nationwide search, the University of Montana has hired Jeffrey Michael to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the university announced Thursday.

Part of the College of Business at UM, the Bureau of Business and Economic Research produces numerous reports and data on the Montana economy on topics such as manufacturing and housing affordability. It also presents annual economic outlook seminars around the state.

Michael, who previously worked at the University of the Pacific in California, has already started work at the BBER.

Longtime Director Patrick Barkey will stay on as research director until June 2025 when he plans to retire, UM said in a news release.

“We are truly fortunate to be bringing on a new leader with the experience and skills of Jeff Michael to the state of Montana,” Barkey said in a statement. “He will hit the ground running in putting his own stamp on everything that we do.”

Michael served as director of public policy at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law since 2021, UM said. He previously worked as executive director of the university’s Center for Business and Policy Research and director of the Business Forecasting Center in the Eberhardt School of Business for 13 years.

“BBER has a tremendous legacy of helping business, government and the public understand the economy of Montana,” Michael said in a statement. “I am excited to contribute to BBER’s mission and engage with Montana business and civic leaders on critical and emerging economic issues.”

As BBER director, Michael will lead the team of 20 research professionals at a nationally recognized research center that continues to produce economic and industry data for all geographic areas of Montana as well as present economic forecasts throughout the state.