Mike O’Donnell brings a background in engineering and global manufacturing to his role as director of Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University.
Since 1963, CIRAS has been focused on helping Iowa industry improve. The center’s team of experts brings first-hand practical experience to their roles in helping Iowa companies solve complex problems and have the right resources at the right time. Typical clients are in manufacturing and construction with 30-500 employees, but CIRAS helps all types and sizes of organizations implement technical and management changes, as well as providing expertise, connections, and the confidence to move forward.
O’Donnell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University, and an MBA from the Ivy School of Business at Iowa State. Before coming to Iowa, he spent about seven years in the defense industry in a mix of roles including production supervisor, quality, program management, and international business and two years leading quality for a small appliance brand in Sydney, Australia, with a third of his time spent in factories around China.
1. What advantages does Iowa offer to businesses located here and those looking to relocate?
It's all about the people. First, we're hard workers - Iowa has one of the highest labor force participation rates in the country. Second, we have great educational opportunities at all levels, including a community college system and three Regent's universities - so you can find and develop great people for all your needs. Finally, our support ecosystem - from units like ISU's Economic Development and Industry Relations to state agencies and industry associations - is truly collaborative. When a business needs help, we all come together to help them chart a path forward.
2. How does CIRAS support Iowa businesses?
One of my favorite things to highlight is Iowa's Manufacturing 4.0 program to incentivize technology adoption among smaller manufacturers, because I think it is just a perfect example of how Iowa can come together to solve complex problems.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority has led this program, and it has been a true collaboration across Iowa. CIRAS's role has been to help the state and businesses de-risk their investment by providing no-cost assessments as part of the application process. The rest of the ecosystem (community colleges, University of Northern Iowa, economic developers, and Iowa Association of Business and Industry) has supported awareness, training, and connections.
While we started with a goal to conduct 30-50 assessments, we've conducted more than 400 on-site assessments, and companies have reported more than $137 million in economic impact.
3. What excites you the most about the future of manufacturing in the state?
I am very excited about the pace of innovation of how we make things. Every time I go into a company, I see something new, usually using technology. The tinkering mentality of our state’s agriculture foundation has extended to emerging technologies. It no longer surprises me when I walk through a factory, and they show me a small room off to the side with 3D printers making parts for customers, or have an AI-based vision system inspecting parts. Combine that with the push to make more products here in the U.S., and I think we're well-positioned to do great things.
4. What advice do you have for someone considering a move or return to Iowa?
First, think about the time (and frustration) spent in traffic, and imagine that disappearing. I used to spend 2+ hours a day commuting, and now it is 25 minutes on a bad day. More importantly, come visit - meet the people, go experience life in Iowa. I write this after multiple days with -30 degree wind chills, and yet have no hesitation, those handful of really cold days per year are worth it.
Iowa State is the reason I came here 16 years ago. I met my wife after moving here, and we decided this is the perfect place to raise our family. Ames is one of those places that has just the right mix of a small city with big amenities. The people here are a huge part of why we stay. I've lived and traveled to a lot of places around the world, and the friendly, collaborative nature of people in this state is rare.
5. Please share three recommendations of things to do or places to go in Iowa.
Experience “Hilton Magic” for yourself by attending a Big XII basketball game at Hilton Coliseum.
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.” Visit the Field of Dreams movie site near Dyersville.
Take a tour of Iowa's breweries (but not all 115 of them at once!).
Published January 2025.