URI President David M. Dooley will take an active role in improving Rhode Island’s economy following his appointment this winter to the state’s Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors by Gov. Donald Carcieri.

Dooley’s appointment marks the first time a URI president has served on the board. His three-year term ends Feb. 1, 2013.

In 2009, Carcieri signed into law changes to revitalize the board, expanding it from nine members to 13, including one member from higher education.

“With an expanded and more focused board, a seasoned economic development professional leading the agency, and a clear strategic plan to move our economic development efforts forward, the tools are in place to improve the EDC, be more responsive to our existing businesses, support the growth of new industries, and improve our economic climate,” the governor said in his announcement.

Dooley’s economic development experience while at Montana State University will prove an asset. While there, he played a key role in creating partnerships between the school and private companies.