Dr. Ocasio Hochheimer leads Grand Fir Analytics (GFA) with a clear mandate: to bring rigorous economic and statistical analysis to the complex challenges facing growing communities, governments, and businesses. Inspired early in her academic career to use data as a force for meaningful change, she developed deep expertise in statistics and AI, economic development, poverty, international trade, energy markets, and finance, disciplines that now anchor GFA’s evidence-based impact analysis and strategic advisory work.

When she relocated to Spokane in 2011, the city’s promise was captured in its slogan, “Near Nature, Near Perfect.” She immediately recognized both its remarkable potential and the responsibility that comes with growth, workforce development, housing pressures, infrastructure demands, environmental stewardship, and equitable opportunity. That perspective continues to shape her commitment to ensuring that economic expansion translates into long-term community prosperity.

Dr. Hochheimer is also a tenured Professor of Economics and Finance at Whitworth University and an Affiliate Professor of Law and Economics at Gonzaga University School of Law. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Colorado State University, has published peer-reviewed research, and is a skilled public speaker who writes regularly for broad audience media outlets. She is a respected civic leader who serves as Vice Chair of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Revitalization Board and previously chaired the Spokane Symphony/Fox Theater Board. Her leadership has been recognized by the Spokane Journal of Business, Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, and The Spokesman-Review.

Under her leadership, GFA partners with business, government, and community leaders to translate complex data into a clear strategy that advances economic vitality and measurable, lasting impact.