Mr. Harger is an experienced community economic development researcher, analyst, and manager of people and projects. He has been a research associate at the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University for 15 years. His areas of expertise include the creation and maintenance of EDO research programs, business intelligence research, economic base analysis, economic impact analysis and retail trade area analysis. He also has experience with creating, maintaining and manipulating large economic and demographic databases, cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and web site development.

His current work focuses on effective practice, project feasibility, applied research and policy studies in economic development, industry cluster analyses, comprehensive planning and development strategies (CEDS), and the economic impacts of universities and community colleges. Recent or ongoing projects include assessment of regional economic development opportunities, identifying demographic and economic benchmarks, and creating and maintaining a regional economic development data portal. 

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master of Science degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. His professional associations include the Council for Community and Economic Research, International Economic Development Council, Illinois Development Council, and the Mid-America Economic Development Council. 

 As part of the new MSED curriculum, the course ED 721 Management and Ethics for Economic Development is now being taught by Dr. Chad R. Miller and David L. Parker, Senior Vice-President of Economic Development for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. The course provides the student with instruction in basic management, leadership, and ethical concepts and practices found in economic development. Strategic planning, performance measurement, and data-driven economic development are a focus. The course includes real world projects, case studies, and lectures by expert practitioners. 

Some of the high profile speakers include Kenny McDonald, CEO of Columbus 2020, John H. Turner,  Director of Business & Economic Development for Entergy, Chad Newell, President of the Area Development Partnership (ADP), Sean Mikula, Founder and CEO of Power 10 Fundraising, Jan Sims, Staff Development Manager at Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), and  Wayne L. Sterling, who headed state EDOs in Virginia and South Carolina.