Paula Sorrell has been appointed director of the Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy at the University of Michigan, effective Jan. 3.
Reporting jointly to the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Vice President for Government Relations, IRLEE is a widely recognized leader in economic development, industry support, advanced manufacturing, and jobs forecasting.
The institute draws on its expertise to oversee a variety of programs that provide business and community assistance, support, and intervention in our region and beyond, and to inform economic development policy.
As director, Sorrell will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the institute and setting strategic directions to guide its growth and enhance its impact on business and society.
For much of her career, Sorrell has been a consultant specializing in strategy, marketing, and technology commercialization for universities, foundations, federal departments, and research and development firms.
From 2011-15, she served as vice president of entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., overseeing more than $1 billion under management to support the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sorrell earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in marketing and a Master of Science in (business) Administration in marketing from Central Michigan University.
