Brian Rushing

Brian Rushing has been the Director of Economic Development Initiatives at The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development since July 2015.12 He is an experienced professional with a diverse background in natural sciences, environmental planning, conservation management, and business administration.1

Rushing's work primarily focuses on facilitating outdoor recreation planning and development initiatives. He collaborates with local governments, state and federal agencies, and private partners to provide project leadership and technical assistance.12 Through these efforts, he aims to help Alabama communities capitalize on the growing recreation and nature-based tourism markets while improving the quality of life for citizens and enhancing the protection of natural resources.2

Education and Background

Brian Rushing is a native of Alabama with a strong educational foundation:

• B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of the South
• M.S. in Environmental Planning and Management from Louisiana State University
• M.B.A. from The University of Alabama1

Professional Expertise

Rushing's areas of expertise include:

• Conservation planning
• Land acquisition and stewardship
• Building collaborative public-private partnerships
• Project management
• Real estate acquisitions
• Fundraising12

His multidisciplinary background allows him to approach economic development with a unique perspective, combining environmental conservation with economic growth strategies.