The Swain Center for Executive Education and Economic Development at University of North Carolina Wilmington has a new director. Following a national search, Richard Walsh has been named to that position, according to a news release.

His appointment is effective Monday.

Walsh succeeds Matt Mylott, who has served as the center’s acting director since former director Laura Lunsford left last August to accept a full professorship at Campbell University. Lunsford headed the center for two years.

Walsh most recently was a leadership solutions partner at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro.

In this role, according to officials at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business, he worked closely with leaders and teams to help achieve their business goals by providing innovative leadership solutions along with executive coaching and mentoring. He has also been associated with the Swain Center, heading up its largest executive development program at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

“Richard has an extensive background in executive education; he is a perfect fit for the Swain Center," Cameron School Dean Robert Burrus said Thursday. “He will lead us in furthering the great portfolio of programs that are currently offered, and these programs will greatly help businesses both within this region and beyond.”

Walsh, who Burrus said brings more than 20 years of industry experience in leadership development, organizational transformation and executive coaching, previously served as an executive at AT&T, IBM and GE, and as an associate dean at the University of Dayton’s business school. He was also founding director of that university’s Center for Leadership Development.

The new director holds a B.S. in human resource management from Northeastern University, an MBA in international marketing from the University of Dayton and a master’s certificate in business and social ethics from Harvard University.

The Swain Center offers executive and professional education programs in business while serving as a source of economic and business services for the state. As director, Walsh will manage the center’s overall strategy, growth opportunities and program resources. He will also oversee corporate and client relationships including marketing and sales.