Patrick Barkey named director of U. of Montana business research

Patrick Barkey will succeed Paul Polzin as director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at The University of Montana when Polzin retires on June 30.

Barkey served as director of the Bureau of Business Research at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., from 1993 until 2007, when he came to BBER as director of health care industry research. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree (1979) and doctorate (1986) in economics.

As BBER director, Barkey plans to continue the strong tradition of providing information to public and private decision makers about the state’s business and economic climate through outlets such as the Economic Outlook Seminar and the award-winning publication Montana Business Quarterly.

“I am excited for the opportunity to build on the bureau’s distinguished reputation and so lucky to be inheriting such a knowledgeable and skilled staff,” Barkey said.

Polzin is retiring after 40 years of service to the bureau, during which time he has seen the research center grow from five full-time employees to around 20.

“Twenty years ago I succeeded the legendary bureau Director Maxine Johnson, and I am pleased to be leaving my friends and colleagues in good hands,” Polzin said, adding that he has no doubt Barkey will serve Montanans well and keep them up to date on the latest economic trends and outlook for the economy.

As director of health care industry research, Barkey examines the state’s health care markets, trends, costs and other high-visibility topics. His most recent research has been on the economic impact of substance abuse in Montana.

At Ball State University, Barkey conducted research on labor markets and a wide variety of state and regional economic policy issues, including the educational attainment of the Indiana labor force, the effect of smoking on the state’s economy and the potential for high-tech development in Central Indiana.

From 1990 to 1993, Barkey was a research analyst for American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio. From 1985 to 1990, he was an assistant professor at Indiana University’s School of Business in Bloomington, Ind.

Housed in UM’s School of Business Administration, BBER has provided information about Montana’s state and local economies for more than 50 years.

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