About Us

Our mission is to strengthen America’s technological and economic competitiveness by providing expert advocacy management, strategy development, and information services that advance regional, state, and federal policy and programs.

Excel Regional Solutions is built on the premise that America can only reach its full potential if all of our regions and people are able to participate fully in the global economy. To achieve this vision, we partner with regions, organizations, and coalitions that want to improve their economic development initiatives—because as these efforts unlock greater opportunities for their constituents, we will all be better off.

Whether you are seeking help developing a better regional economic strategy, benchmarking your performance against your peers, identifying paths for fiscal stability, or communicating the importance of your work to officials, funders, and the public, we are ready to work with you on a solution that will address your needs and help you to reach your goals.

The leadership of Excel Regional Solutions has years of experience working with economic development practitioners and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to evaluate programs, develop strategies, and advocate for improvements. Few others in the field have a comparable breadth of perspective on economic development activities across the country, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing the best solutions for our clients.

Tailored Approach

We ensure that every region and organization receives personalized support and guidance to help you meet your goals on your terms.

Effective Solutions

We emphasize identifying solutions that have worked for others and helping you adapt the approach to meet your local strengths and needs.

Data-driven Advice

When we make recommendations, we bring receipts. That’s because all of your stakeholders want to know your activities are backed by data.

Our Team

Jason Rittenberg

Principal, Excel Regional Solutions

Jason Rittenberg is the Principal of Excel Regional Solutions, a firm that strengthens America’s scientific and technological competitiveness by providing expert advocacy management, strategic development, and information services that advance regional, state, and federal policy and programs.

Jason has managed coalitions and advocacy campaigns focused on Tech Hubs, State Small Business Credit Initiative, Regional Innovation Clusters, and Manufacturing Bonds. Notable successes include growing Build to Scale from $10 million to $50 million in annual funding, achieving the first-ever increase in the Federal and State Technology Partnership, and assisting with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) reauthorization.

Jason has provided a wide range of expert technical assistance that addresses the strategic, information, and communications needs of economic development organizations. Past projects include recommending a microfinance program to Commerce Rhode Island, assessing Business Oregon’s lending programs, benchmarking tech economies for Innovate Ohio, facilitating a strategic plan for the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, and helping the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation identify new opportunities for tech entrepreneurship grantmaking.

Formerly, Jason was vice president at the State Science and Technology Institute and director of research and advisory services at the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

An excellent communicator, Jason has presented and facilitated sessions for multiple federal and state agencies, trade associations, and other organizations. His published work includes News on the Internet: Information and Citizenship in the 21st Century, as well as numerous articles and reports for an array of audiences.

Jason has an MA from the University of Illinois and a BS from Ohio University, both with a focus on political communication.

Susan Niple

Customer Experience Director, Excel Regional Solutions

Susan Niple is the Customer Experience Director at Excel Regional Solutions.

Susan has extensive experience assisting clients and customers by serving as a point of contact to answer questions and connect them with resources to help meet their needs.

Susan most recently worked as the membership director at State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), where she supported members and the larger tech-based economic development community and also maintained records and systems to help facilitate networking and engagement.

She previously worked in the lawn care, landscaping, and tree industry in many capacities including sales, production, office administration, and as an entrepreneur.

Susan received dual Bachelor’s degrees in Botany and Women’s Studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

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