Randy Pilkington to retire from UNI Business & Community Services after nearly 40 years
Randy Pilkington to retire from UNI Business & Community Services after nearly 40 years
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – After 38 years of leading economic development outreach efforts at the University of Northern Iowa, Randy Pilkington will retire from the role of executive director of Business & Community Services (BCS) within the Wilson College of Business. Pilkington will continue working part-time to support the leadership transition and focus on special projects, including federal relations, intellectual property and planning. He will also continue to serve as co-chair of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Pilkington is a double Panther, having graduated with an undergraduate degree from UNI in 1980 and later obtained a master’s degree. He was recruited to the University of Northern Iowa in 1987 to help launch the university’s economic development programs within what was then the School of Business and, in the time since, has directly managed the Institute for Decision Making, UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and Intellectual Property Office, and assisted with federal relations. In 2000, he helped create and direct BCS, an umbrella organization that today is composed of 12 distinct outreach programs.
“Over the years, we’ve innovated, evolved and refined our programs to meet the changing needs of businesses and communities,” said Pilkington. “Throughout it all, we’ve stayed committed to one primary goal: Building a Better Iowa.”
The BCS mission rings true. Under Pilkington’s leadership, BCS programs have made a meaningful impact on all 99 Iowa counties for 25 consecutive years and pursued projects in multiple states. In any given year, BCS reaches approximately 250,000 Iowans, 3,000 UNI students, and more than 4,000 business, community and nonprofit clients.
“Randy’s leadership has been instrumental to the enormous economic impact that BCS and its associated centers have had on Iowa’s economy,” said Leslie Wilson, dean of the Wilson College of Business. “The estimate of that impact for 2023 alone was over $30 million. He has ensured that the state’s investment in UNI’s economic outreach efforts has always exceeded expectations.”
To support regional and statewide economic development efforts, Pilkington served as president of the Professional Developers of Iowa and has been part of the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board of Directors, the 21st Century Workforce Council, and the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. He currently serves on the Iowa Business Council’s Business Education Alliance, Iowa Innovation Council, Cedar Valley TechWorks Board, and as co-chair of the UNI Research Foundation. He also sits on several advisory councils. In 2024, Pilkington was presented the Cedar Valley Legacy Award in recognition of his lasting impact on the Cedar Valley.
Beyond his professional work, Pilkington gives back through community engagement activities and volunteering with local economic development and nonprofit organizations.
“BCS programs have not only made a lasting difference, they have provided students and faculty with unique opportunities to create, empower and innovate,” said President Mark Nook. “With a forward-looking mindset, the center has remained true to its commitment to creating real value for the businesses and communities — not just across Iowa, but in many other states. Randy's leadership has been instrumental to these successes. His unwavering dedication to the university and tireless work to design and provide services that meet the changing needs of businesses and communities will shape the future of economic development in our state for years to come.”
