— A director was hired Wednesday to lead the Port of Muskogee’s business and economic development arm.

Brien Thorstenberg, vice president of Ardmore Development Authority, will assume his new duties at the port Feb. 27. Thorstenberg will lead the Port’s recently expanded business development division, which includes managing the city of Muskogee’s economic development program.

“My family and I are excited about moving to Muskogee. The city and county offer a tremendous amount of opportunity in the area of economic development,” Thorstenberg said. “I look forward to working with every aspect of the community to position Muskogee for economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in the community.”

The search for a new director began in April 2011 after Greater Muskogee Development Corp., was dissolved and its operations merged with the Muskogee City-County Port Authority. GMDC had handled the city’s economic development efforts for more than 40 years.

Port Director Scott Robinson said the search attracted a number of well-qualified applicants. The list was winnowed during the past couple of weeks.

“We looked at a number highly qualified people,” Robinson said. “But we decided we needed somebody who had that special expertise and already-developed contacts.”

Robinson said Thorstenberg will bring with him “a wealth of experience in every aspect of economic development and an impressive record of success.”

Thorstenberg said his interest in the port position is the fact he sees Muskogee as having great potential for economic growth.

“What attracted me is they have all the pieces they need for a strong economic development program,” Thorstenberg said, citing Muskogee’s educational and industrial base. “It’s a moving target, and it will take a lot of work — a team effort — but I think we can get there.”

Before joining Ardmore Development Authority, where he has worked since 2003, Thorstenberg served as a manufacturing extension agent with the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence.

Thorstenberg earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Oklahoma State University. He earned a master’s degree in business administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  

Thorstenberg serves as secretary of the Governor’s Economic Development Team and treasurer of the Oklahoma Economic Development Council. He also serves in an advisory role on a variety of boards and committees, including the Oklahoma Bio-Sciences Technical Committee and the Oklahoma Sensor Alliance.

“We’re fortunate and very pleased to have added someone of Brien’s caliber to Muskogee’s team,” Robinson said.

Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.