As a doctoral student of economics, Dr. Ocasio Hochheimer was inspired by her professors to use the analytical tools of economics and statistics to shed light on the world’s most challenging issues. She was drawn to the study of economic development and poverty in developing countries with a focus on the southern subregion of Asia.

When Vange moved to Spokane in 2011, the city was on the verge of an economic development boom. The minute she set foot in the Spokane airport she knew the city was on its way to significant economic growth. At the time, Spokane’s slogan was “Near Nature, Near Perfect”. Vange found the slogan to be an accurate description of the up-and-coming Spokane.

For many growing cities, economic success brings about challenges such as gentrification, environmental challenges, housing shortages, and infrastructure challenges. Grand Fir Analytics (GFA) was born out of the need for data collection and impact analysis to address and find solutions to these problems. The mission of GFA is to provide insights for finding solutions to the problems facing businesses and communities. GFA is committed to promoting economic well-being and human flourishing through evidence-based research and approaches that inform policy.

Dr. Hochheimer is a tenured Professor of Economics and Finance at Whitworth University’s School of Business. She is also an Affiliate Professor of Law and Economics at the Gonzaga University School of Law. She received a Ph.D. in economics from Colorado State University. Her doctoral training includes specializations in international trade, economic development, energy markets, and finance. She has published peer-reviewed manuscripts in her field and is currently writing her first co-authored book for Vanderbilt University Press. Dr. Ocasio Hochheimer is an active community leader. She currently serves on state and regional governing boards with roles such as vice chair of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Revitalization Board and Board Director and Vice Chair of Finance of the Spokane Symphony/Fox Theater. Dr. Hochheimer has won community-wide recognitions such as the Spokane Journal of Business’s 2024 Person of Influence award, the 2020 Woman of the Year award from the Spokesman-Review, and the 2018 Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist award from the Spokane County United Way. She is married to Manny Hochheimer and has two children.