NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans has appointed Robert Penick the interim director of the Institute for Economic Development and Real Estate Research.
Penick succeeds Ivan Miestchovich, the institute’s longtime director who died in September after a yearlong battle with ALS.
The institute provides technical assistance and applied research for public, private and nonprofit organizations throughout the region in the areas of economic development and real estate. It produces an annual real estate market analysis for the New Orleans metropolitan region and the North Shore region; it also presents the Ivan Miestchovich Economic Outlook and Real Estate Forecast Seminars for New Orleans and the North Shore.
Penick currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Latter & Blum Companies. He is also an adjunct professor of finance at UNO, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in real estate principles and real estate finance.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Penick serve as interim director of the Institute for Economic Development and Real Estate Research,” said John Williams, dean of the College of Business Administration. “His vast experience in the industry and his community involvement will be pivotal as the institute continues its leading role in providing essential research, analysis and annual conferences to the region.”
Penick holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from Loyola University, as well as a master’s degree in supervision and administration from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. He also earned a master’s in urban studies and a doctorate in urban studies, with a concentration in real estate and real estate ethics, from UNO. He holds an insurance license from the State of Louisiana.
Penick is active in many civic, business and professional organizations. He currently serves on the board of the UNO International Alumni Association and the UNO Foundation. The Mobile, AL, native is a veteran of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves who served for more than 30 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
The University of New Orleans is a major research university and offers more than 40 undergraduate and pre-professional programs and nearly 40 graduate programs.
