Edinaldo Tebaldi has only been a Rhode Island resident for three years, but he is well-versed in the state’s economics. In addition to being an associate professor of economics at Bryant University, Tebaldi serves as Rhode Island forecast manager for the New England Economic Partnership.
In March, Tebaldi helped organize “The Rhode Island Economy: Beyond the Problems to the Solutions,” a day-long conference of economic discussion and brainstorming held on Bryant’s campus. However, Tebaldi hasn’t always been so focused on Rhode Island.
Prior to entrenching himself in Rhode Island’s economic affairs, Tebaldi’s research was focused on issues of poverty, the roles of institutions in economic growth, and international trade.
In the time between receiving his two master’s degrees in economics – one from Federal University of Ceará, Brazil in 2000 and the other from the University of New Hampshire in 2002 – and joining Bryant University’s faculty in 2007, Tebaldi worked in Brazil and in the United States. His work included various faculty positions in higher education and acting as a consultant for the World Bank, where he evaluated the largest microcredit program in South America and analyzed the economic development of northeast Brazil.
Back in Rhode Island, experience in global economics is an asset for Tebaldi who, in testimony before the House Finance Committee, said, “Long-term prosperity in Rhode Island will only be achieved by preparing the economy and its labor force to take advantage of opportunities in the global economy.”
Tebaldi, in his application for 40 Under Forty, wrote that he is “guided by a desire to help people and organizations make smart, informed decisions.”
Rhode Islanders are now the ones receiving Tebaldi’s help, as he works with colleagues to host a second annual conference on the state’s economics. •
