After serving as the director of CARD for more than seven years, Cathy Kling announced she will resign her position effective May 1.

Kling is an environmental economist with a distinguished career. She received a B.B.A. in business and economics from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Maryland. She first came to Iowa State as an assistant professor of economics in 1993. In 1999, she became the head of CARD’s Resource and Environmental Policy Division. In 2011 she accepted a position as interim director, and in 2013 she accepted permanent duties as the director of CARD.

Kling’s distinguished career has garnered her numerous awards and accolades. She’s received several awards from professional associations including the Bruce Gardner Memorial Prize for Applied Policy Analysis. In 2013, she was named Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor, a recognition by the Department of Economics for professors whose contributions to their field of study are recognized nationally or internationally. In 2015, she was named to the National Academy of Sciences and named the President’s Chair in Environmental Economics by the university.

Cathy has accepted a position as Professor of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Economics at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. “Leaving Iowa State was truly a difficult decision,” Kling said. “I have loved living in Ames and being a faculty member at Iowa State. The college and university administration have been very supportive of me personally and professionally,” she added. “Terry and I will both miss Ames and Iowa State.” Kling is married to Terry Alexander, a senior lecturer in the department of economics.

“Iowa State University provided me with an opportunity to work with top-notch faculty and staff, and Terry and I both met and worked with some amazing students,” she said. “Despite that, we are looking forward to new adventures and experiences. I am excited to meet an outstanding set of new colleagues and continue my work in environmental economics.”

Dermot Hayes, professor of economics and finance, has agreed to act as interim director for two months, at which time John Crespi, professor of economics, will assume duties as interim director.