Dentons, the global law firm, today announced that Brian McGowan, Public Policy and Regulation principal, has been appointed to serve as a nonresident senior fellow with The Brookings Institution. McGowan joins Brookings' Metropolitan Policy Program where he will examine the value of local economic development subsidies and study local economic development tools, including their potential for supporting more inclusive growth in cities across the US.

McGowan directs vision and provides strategy for clients looking to expand their global economic development initiatives. Previously, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and was appointed by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the city's economic development arm. Earlier in his career, he was appointed by both President Barack Obama to be US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce for the State of California.

McGowan pioneered new economic initiatives including the California iHub program, Start Up Atlanta, SelectUSA and the i6 Challenge. His work has facilitated the creation of over 36,000 direct jobs and nearly $5 billion in capital investment working with some of the world's largest private companies.

About The Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution is a private non-profit organization. Its mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations for policymakers and the public. Brookings recognizes that the value it provides is in its absolute commitment to quality, independence and impact, and makes all final determinations of all scholarly activities including the research agenda and products.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons' polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work. www.dentons.com