The BDC is housed at the UW Bothell's Business Program. Business Program Director Steve Holland oversees strategy and partnership development for the BDC.
R. Brooks Gekler, MBA, Director - Business Development Center
Brooks brings over twenty-five years of experience in the business and education sectors. Brooks built his business career with General Mills Inc. (GIS) with leadership roles in consumer products marketing, brand management, general management, and mergers and acquisitions. Most notably, Brooks has extensive M&A Integration experience having led and managing several small companies following their acquisition by GIS. On retiring from General Mills, Brooks taught graduate management courses at Augsburg College and directed the Augsburg MBA Management Consulting Program, managing 45-50 clients and student consulting projects annually. He holds an MBA degree from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and History from Vassar College. Brooks has been an active community volunteer serving on boards supporting children's theatre, international sports, and inner-city business and economic development.