Nathan Perry, PhD - Professor of Economics, Colorado Mesa University: Dr. Perry is a Professor of Economics in the Davis School of Business at Colorado Mesa University. His research focuses on regional economics and monetary macroeconomics. He has led numerous studies on the Western Slope, covering economic impact, public lands, and energy, and published on deficits and debt, inflation, and the Great Depression. Dr. Perry writes economic newsletters for Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Routt Counties. Dr. Perry regularly presents on the economic conditions of the Western Slope, Colorado, and the national economy. He teaches Money and Banking, Econometrics, and Macroeconomics.
Porter Montgomery - AITC Program Manager, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): Porter is an economic development professional focused on expanding capital access for small and growing businesses. Through her work with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, she manages the Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit program that incentivizes angel investment in innovative Colorado startups. She is passionate about how access to capital shapes who gets to build, scale, and succeed - and what it takes to create more durable, inclusive economies.
Kacie Skelton - Industries Grant Manager, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): Kacie works directly on the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program's three domestic grants, which support the State's early stage and start-up companies and local research institutions. Through these programs, she advocates for entrepreneurs and researchers developing innovative technologies in Colorado, helping make the state a better place to live and do business.
Kacie is a native of rural southern Colorado and has previous experience in private foundation grant making and program management. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and leadership studies.
Bill Germain – Global Business Development Data Visualization Manager, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): Bill is the Data Visualization Manager within the Strategy & Analytics unit of OEDIT's Global Business Development Division, reporting to GBD’s Deputy Director. Bill is the lead person on print and digital collateral materials for the office and maintains S&A data assets and databases that support the development and implementation of GBD strategy. Bill leverages data visualization and database management skills as well as design, project management, and marketing experience to fulfill his role at OEDIT. Bill’s responsibilities include responding to high-level data requests and providing data support to regional partners.
Bill also supports OEDIT's strategic initiatives from the GBD perspective, guiding economic analysis, development of collateral materials, dashboards, public communications, marketing campaigns, and talking points for senior leadership engagements. Bill has a background in international business and holds a master’s degree in environmental policy & management from the University of Denver, along with professional certifications in data analysis, sustainable business, Zero Waste and Circular Economy.
Kimberly Woodworth - Executive Director, EDCC: Kimberly Woodworth is a recognized leader in economic development with over 20 years of experience driving collaborative growth, cross-sector alignment, and non-profit excellence across Colorado. As the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC), Kim oversees all strategic operations, fiscal management, and statewide programming. Her leadership was recently recognized by her peers, naming her to ColoradoBiz Magazine’s Top 500 Colorado Business Leaders for 2026.
Under her direction, the EDCC has become a vital hub for professional capacity-building and innovative economic strategies. Kim has been the driving force behind several high-impact, forward-looking initiatives, including the nationally recognized CO|Align Initiative, which bridges state and local economic strategies through regional CEDS alignment. She also serves as the Vice Chair for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, representative on the Colorado Main Street Advisory Board, and the Colorado Growth and Revitalization (CGR) Fund Advisory Board. Kim has also helped lead statewide initiatives including Colorado Companies to Watch, the Opportunity Zones program, and most recently Colorado/Wyoming NSF ACEND Engine program rollout.
Prior to taking the helm at the EDCC, Kim served as the Operations Manager for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. (Metro Denver EDC). There, she managed a $4 million budget, led regional expansion and corporate recruitment activities, and directed high-profile events, including the annual Site Selection Conference. She also spent six years as the Marketing and PR Director for The Denver Brass, building a strong foundation in non-profit management, community engagement, and stakeholder relations.
A passionate advocate for the professionalization of the field, Kim actively champions the expansion of educational programming and professional development pipelines throughout Colorado. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Northern Colorado and is pursuing her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
DJ Summers - Director of Communications & Research Operations, Common Sense Institute: DJ oversees CSI fellows and research staff, coordinates with partners, iterates and analyzes projects, and breaks down findings for the public, legislators, and commercial leaders. Prior to CSI, DJ attended the University of Utah and Syracuse University. He worked as a journalist, investigator, and political researcher across the U.S. from Washington, D.C. to Alaska. DJ has a drive to understand complex truths and make them clear and accessible to the public and its leaders alike. DJ lives in Denver and is a classically trained pianist. He devotes his spare time to practicing and studying music. When not at the piano bench, he has a regimen of strength training, combat sports, and enjoying good Colorado beer.
David Lopez - Director of Workforce Development, Elevate Quantum: David specializes in operational execution, cross-sector collaboration, and designing systems that unlock untapped talent. Whether launching a startup or aligning universities and employers, David thrives at the intersection of vision and velocity.
