Spotlight on Brigid Tuck
Brigid, who works for University of Minnesota Extension on the Community Economics team, has been leading the economic impact analysis program since 2008. She first collaborated with Monica Haynes, who is now the BBER director, on a project related to local foods in schools when Haynes was in graduate school. Since reestablishing their relationship, it seemed a natural fit for the BBER and Extension work together more. Therefore, the two entities have formed a formal partnership and the collaboration continues! Brigid’s focus at Extension is on helping Minnesota communities understand their economies and how they might be affected by change.
What does a typical day look like in your job?
My primary job is as an analyst, so I spend a significant amount of time crunching numbers and writing reports. I love making charts and graphs. Actually, I love seeing what the data tells us, and charts and graphs are a great way to show the results. I also share the results of the research with communities, which means I get to travel. Since I have statewide responsibilities, I get to see much of Minnesota.
What do you like best about your current job?
I am a very curious person, and this job allows me an opportunity to learn more about Minnesota from an economic perspective. While I am an expert in economic impact analysis, the industry or activity that I study is always different, affording me the chance to explore new topics. For example, I am involved in many studies involving the economic impact of a festival or event, so I get to learn about that event and the community that hosts it. Sometimes I am working with an industry and learning about things such as renewable energy or biofuels.
What about your current job do you find most challenging?
Minnesota is a happening place! Stakeholders and decision makers like to be guided by information and data, so they turn to a respected institution like the University of Minnesota. In other words, there is always plenty of work to keep us busy. That’s why our partnership with the BBER is so valuable. It allows us to magnify our reach and be efficient in using our resources.
If you could snap your fingers and solve any problem facing our community, what would it be?
Getting more residents involved in community and civic life. Social media has amplified the voices of people who like to complain about life in their communities, but fewer people are willing to volunteer to lead local organizations and events. We also need to find ways to bridge the gap between community leaders who have a long history of leading and new residents who have ideas for change.
What is the most recent thing you’ve read (besides email)?
I am a runner, and I listen to audio books when running. I am in the middle of a Jack Reacher novel now. The thing I look forward to reading every week is my local newspaper, the Henderson Independent. We are lucky to have a locally owned community newspaper that shares the stories of our town.
What is something (knowledge or skills) you would like to learn?
As more and more everyday items become connected to the internet (phones, watches, tractors, refrigerators), we as economists have access to additional datasets. I am interested in learning computer programming that can help analyze those datasets, such as Python or R.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you in your career?
The only constant is change. Helping communities navigate change means we have to be flexible and open to change ourselves. We also have to monitor economic and social trends.
Featured photo: Brigid and son Henry golfing at Little Crow Golf Resort in Spicer in July 2024