As the firm’s lead economist, Katie works on economic projects across all industries and regions of Alaska. With a strong command of research methods and economic data, she leads a wide range of projects, including financial analyses, economic forecasting, market demand assessments, and economic planning. She brings sharp critical thinking and a practical understanding of…
Since joining the firm in 1999, Heather Haugland has worked on hundreds of projects, providing project management, market analysis, survey design, and facilitation. She has particular expertise in the tourism and maritime sectors in both Alaska and Washington State. She has collaborated with various entities, including ports throughout the Pacific Northwest, destination marketing organizations, the Alaska Marine Highway…
Wendi joined McKinley Research Group in 2018, bringing 40 years of professional experience in evaluation strategies, applied research, community assessment and impact analysis, and administrative management. Wendi brings a broad knowledge and practice base integral to work within the health and education sectors, among others. Wendi’s experience spans rural and urban communities throughout Alaska and…
Raniyah joined McKinley Research Group as an economist in 2022. She has worked on a wide array of projects including housing assessments, benefit-cost analyses, comprehensive economic development strategy projects (CEDS), and economic baselines and forecasts, among others. She often works with Alaska socioeconomic data, synthesizing it into interpretable results and telling the story surrounding the…
A consultant with McKinley Research Group, Amelia contributes to a variety of McKinley Research projects, including survey research, economic impact studies, and community needs assessments. Amelia’s eye for detail and commitment to clarity are assets in preparing clean, digestible reports. Amelia brings twenty years of professional experience in education, workforce development, and behavioral health. Prior…
Sylvia leads evaluation projects, community needs assessments, and strategic planning processes for a diverse range of clients, including Tribal organizations, nonprofits, coalitions, and foundations. Sylvia excels at blending quantitative data with stakeholder perspectives to skillfully assess complex problems and identify opportunities for action. Sylvia brings her experience working in Alaska’s health and social services sector…
Sam leads McKinley Research Group’s fisheries and mariculture research projects. Sam’s knowledge of fisheries and mariculture stems from over a decade of experience as a journalist in the state, along with a year spent as a retail fishmonger. Through his wide-ranging reporting career, he wrote for the Kodiak Daily Mirror, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Alaska Business,…
Moira’s work at McKinley Research Group includes demand assessments and feasibility analyses for local governments, nonprofits, and private businesses. She is skilled at considering financial and economic realities to assess the long-term viability of housing projects, community centers, sports and recreational facilities, and other infrastructure. Moira’s business development, financial analysis, and public policy experience make…
Simon serves as a research analyst on seafood, fisheries, and mariculture projects. Simon’s research experience in the seafood sector spans harvesting and processing a wide variety of species, as well as examining the infrastructure, labor force, supply chain, and sales that are critical to the seafood industry. Prior to joining McKinley, Simon spent seven years…
Peter is McKinley Research Group’s survey manager. He brings extensive expertise in survey research methodologies and is skilled at carefully considering clients’ resources, interests, and intended data use to identify the most appropriate and effective survey approach. He has conducted surveys by phone, internet, mail, and in-person. Peter’s experience includes working with city governments, tribal…