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DocuSign Envelope ID: C8476753 -B854 -42F6 -A1 FD-78AF182BC832 <br />backgrounds. As a result, we are able to meet almost any client need at the highest quality. Our <br />proposed research team will be comprised the following individuals: <br />The Haas Center staff has extensive experience in research at the state, regional and local levels <br />including for counties, cities, Tourism Development Organizations (TDO/TDC), and area <br />Chambers of Commerce. Each member of the team has a unique set of skills and professional <br />backgrounds. As a result, we are able to meet almost any client need at the highest quality. Our <br />proposed research team will be comprised the following individuals: <br />Nicole Gislason, Executive Director, University of West Florida Haas Center. Gislason oversees <br />the production of information products and services that are designed to inform strategic <br />decision-making processes, enhance operational effectiveness, and improve performance. <br />Gislason is the principal investigator on numerous contracts and grants, including The National <br />Institute for Standards and Technology's (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). <br />Operating in all 50 states, the MEP National Network partners with organizations like the Haas <br />Center to increase the productivity and technological performance of the region's manufacturing <br />firms. Gislason's previous large grant awards include a Department of Labor project known as <br />Florida Hire Ed. The team operates a unique additive manufacturing laboratory, known as <br />Sea3D. Housing state-of-the-art additive manufacturing equipment, the Sea3D lab provides a <br />space for students, industry partners and community members to collaborate on the creation and <br />printing of 3-1) products. Gislason's overall goal is to accelerate technology adoption, talent <br />development, and business growth in an effort to drive the region's industrial competitiveness. <br />Her primary aptitude in higher education is an ability to communicate effectively with educators, <br />business leaders, and government officials. This allows her to connect people who have common <br />needs but different missions. <br />Dr. Jerry D. Parrish is the Chief Economist and the Director of Research for the Florida Chamber <br />Foundation. In that role, he is responsible for conducting in-depth analyses on the Florida <br />economy and on solutions to help secure Florida's future. Dr. Parrish previously was the Chief <br />Economist and Director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. Prior to that <br />position, he served as the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis <br />(CEFA) at Florida State University and has many years of experience in the private sector in <br />management roles at international manufacturing companies. Dr. Parrish is currently an Adjunct <br />Instructor in the Masters in Applied Economics Program at Florida State University and the <br />Chair of the Haas Center's Board of Economic Advisers. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural <br />Business and Economics from Auburn University, an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University, an <br />M.S. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Economics <br />from Auburn University. He regularly publishes research reports and articles on the Florida <br />economy and Florida's competitiveness. <br />Anna -Maria Colombaro, M.A., Research Coordinator, received her Master of Arts in Industrial - <br />Organizational Psychology from a top nationally ranked I -O program at the University of West <br />Florida. Ms. Colombaro specializes in EEO law -informed personnel recruitment, talent selection, <br />training and development, and human resources. As a RNA trained moderator, she develops <br />protocol for and leads focus groups. Ms. Colombaro has expertise in both quantitative and <br />Page 8 of 11 <br />