Staff Spotlight

Helping communities and regions grow economically is at the heart of Brian Tapp’s passion. He grew up in southeastern Iowa with a blue-collar and service industry background.

Surrounded by hardworking people with real opportunities and real challenges – he saw firsthand the importance of a healthy business and economic climate.

He earned a master of arts degree in economics from Western Illinois University, where he studied regional economic development issues like retail trade analysis, input-output models, and business development.

He joined Iowa State University in 2016 and has held positions within the Small Business Development Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Today, he oversees enterprise development within the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program of extension.

In his short time with the university – Tapp has proven to be a versatile leader – adapting to the ever-changing needs of Iowans and the ever-changing economy.

In 2020, he launched new outreach efforts to help small businesses dealing with market disruptions caused by COVID-19, and he continues to find new ways to help those getting “back to business” after COVID.