Headwaters Economics

Independent Nonpartisan Research

About Us

Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions. We inform community decision-making and identify practical solutions by making complex data understandable, beautiful, and interactive, helping develop solutions to some of the most urgent and important issues that communities face.

Based in Bozeman and Helena, Montana, Headwaters Economics receives funding from a wide variety of sources as part of our mission to improve community development and land management decisions. Our revenue comes from numerous places, including contracts with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service; charitable foundations; and contract work for partner organizations.

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Where we work

Headwaters Economics’ tools and data are used by federal and state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and charitable foundations. Our work spans the country, from rural counties to large metropolitan cities.

Our Products & Services

We inform community decision-making and identify practical solutions by making complex data understandable, beautiful, and interactive.

Economic Research

We synthesize our economic analyses in easy-to-read, beautifully laid out reports.

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Socioeconomic Profiles

Our tools provide customized reports of key demographic and economic indicators.

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Data Visualizations

We create interactive dashboards and visualizations to tell a socioeconomic story.

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Recent Media Coverage

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Trusted Experts

Headwaters Economics’ team brings decades of expertise, a commitment to rigorous research, and a deep dedication to helping communities thrive in a changing world.

Our Team

Patricia Hernandez

Executive Director

Patty Hernandez is co-founder and Executive Director of Headwaters Economics. Patty has 18 years of experience in researching economic development, building partnerships, and developing technology solutions to help communities plan and adapt to a changing world.

Kelly Pohl

Associate Director

Kelly is Associate Director of Headwaters Economics. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, she oversees operations and quality control, tracks national policies, coordinates communications, and manages programs to meet organizational goals.

Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D.

Kimi conducts wildfire research and manages Headwaters Economics’ Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. She has worked with more than 80 communities across the country to reduce wildfire risk and increase community resiliency.

Dan Center

Dan oversees Headwaters Economics’ finances and contracts and contributes to research on community development, land management, and outdoor recreation. Environmental stewardship and livable communities have been common themes in his two decades of professional experience.

Bill Daigle

Bill is Headwaters Economics’ lead software developer and programmer, helping design and build the team’s data tools and visualizations. He holds a M.S. in Biology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Samantha Estabrook

Samantha supports Headwaters Economics’ research initiatives with skills and experience in project management, community engagement, community climate adaptation techniques, and data tools. She is a Certified Floodplain Manager and an American Institute Certified Planner.

Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

Megan leads Headwaters Economics’ research in outdoor recreation, economic development, and demographics. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a quantitative economist analyzing policies and trends for communities, governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Brent Powell

Brent leads Headwaters Economics’ web and media development, providing support with website management, photography, videography, and graphic design. He holds a B.S. in Technology Education from Montana State University.

Tara Preston

Tara provides database, data maintenance, and analysis support for Headwaters Economics. She supports updating all of the data that feeds Headwaters Economics tools and products. She holds a Master’s degree in Geography from Montana State University.

Kris Smith, Ph.D.

Kris is an applied researcher with a unique ability to understand the connections between public finance, natural resources, and economic development. As part of Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance team, Kris works with local governments and technical experts to help communities reduce flood risk.

Scott Story

Scott is the team’s lead GIS analyst, database manager, and data engineer. He coordinates and updates the data behind all Headwaters Economics’ tools and data visualizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Montana State University.