Eva-Marie Mancuso | Director, John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University
1. You were recently appointed director of the Chafee Center. What attracted you to leading the organization? While part of the governor’s staff, I had the opportunity to come to the Chafee Center to assist. While here for the last couple of months, I recognized the extensive global relationship Bryant has and the ability for the Chafee Center to meet our state’s trade goals by strong collaboration between businesses and government.
2. What are your goals for the Chafee Center and its impact on Rhode Island’s business community? The goals are very clear: enhance Rhode Island’s economy. There are two specific objectives: provide businesses with the tools to expand internationally, using all the state and federal resources available; and showcase Rhode Island as an opportunity for foreign direct investment. With focused and consistent leadership, the Chafee Center will achieve these objectives.
3. As the Chafee Center’s third director in four years, does this recent turnover impact your short-term responsibilities or longer-term goals for the center? The Chafee Center has evolved over the years and has had many successes. My short-term goal is to implement the [fiscal year 2024] trade plan and promote the resources available at Bryant University, which has an international business program ranked by U.S. News & World Report at No. 17 in the nation, and through our state and federal partners. Providing the dynamic team with direction and focus will show short-term success and provide long-term stability.
4. What prompted your shift from state government to an internationally focused role? Directing the Chafee Center is another opportunity for me to use my leadership skills to serve the people of Rhode Island and help our state provide an opportunity for increased jobs and protect our local economy. Being at a dynamic higher education institution [such as] Bryant also complements my passion for excellence in education here in Rhode Island.
5. What has been your experience with international trade prior to joining the Chafee Center? The Chafee Center and Bryant University have the tools and experience to execute the mission of promoting and sustaining international trade. Being the director is about managing and leading this pool of diverse and eager talent. I am excited to grow the reach of the Chafee Center by managing and growing the team with complementary skills and experiences.
