Andrea Kruszka
Director of Strategy & Engagement, Center for Rural Innovation @Tennessee Technological University
Signup · Get unlimited contacts
WORK HISTORY
Director of Strategy & Engagement, Center for Rural Innovation @Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN, US
Drives the strategic vision and comprehensive expansion of the Center for Rural Innovation\'s core programs, including leading the award-winning rural tourism program that maximizes regional economic vitality through initiatives such as branding and itinerary building. The position provides executive oversight for the Eagle Works Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) initiative, encompassing strategic planning and execution. The role orchestrates and sustains high-impact strategic partnerships with university leadership, federal and state agencies, and regional development districts to maximize organizational reach and effectiveness. The position ensures meticulous adherence to and successful achievement of all federally sponsored grant deliverables, while also identifying opportunities for impactful scholarly research related to rural development. Leadership responsibilities include executive mentorship to professional staff and actively recruiting, managing, and fostering the growth of diverse, interdisciplinary student teams. Ultimately, the role serves as a pivotal contributor to the university\'s mission, directly catalyzing regional economic growth and forging transformative partnerships for sustainable community prosperity.
EDUCATION
Tennessee Technological University
Master of Professional Studies - MPS, Media and Strategic Communications
Tennessee Technological University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Organizational Leadership
Eastern Michigan University
Communication and Business
ABOUT ANDREA KRUSZKA
I have over 15 years of experience in marketing, market research, and entrepreneurship and have utilized those skills while working for the Center for Rural Innovation at Tennessee Tech (TCRI) since 2018. As Assistant Director, my primary focus is the center\'s rural tourism initiative, providing branding, economic impact studies, and tourism-related small business technical assistance to rural Tennessee communities statewide at no cost. I supervise our student intern program and work directly with clients to meet their needs. I also manage the Eagle Works student innovation & entrepreneurship program, running a Shark Tank-style competition each April. Currently, I manage 25+ employees while serving 100+ clients across the state of Tennessee, and develop relationships with new partners and collaborators on a local, regional, and national level.
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.