Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium

Keynote Speaker Robert Spendlove

Senior Economist, Zions Bank

Idaho's Economic Frontier: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Idaho is at a crossroad of economic forces. We continue to enjoy growth, but how do we manage for the future and ensure long term success? Robert will dig into the changing economic environment of the United States and our region, with insights into how we can benefit in times of uncertainty.

In his position at Zions Bank, Robert monitors and reports on economic indicators and public policy developments for the bank. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation, which is one of the nation’s premier financial services companies and operates under seven separately managed and distinct brands throughout much of the western United States.

Robert's research interests are primarily in the areas of macroeconomics, demographics, financial markets and public policy. He frequently advises and briefs policymakers, as well as business and civic groups throughout the western United States. He is also regularly called on to give expert analysis in the media, through print, radio, and television. He is known for his insightful and understandable approach to explaining economic trends.

Iris Buder

Associate Dean, MHA Program Director and Associate Professor of Economics, Idaho State University

Dr. Iris Buder teaches undergraduate courses in the economics of health care, labor economics, microeconomics, econometrics, mathematics for economics, and economic issues. Her research interests in the area of health economics include analyzing the economic costs of diseases, conducting cost-effectiveness analyses for public health interventions, and researching health disparities. Her research interests in the area of labor economics include labor market disparities, occupational prestige, and wage disparities. She currently serves as a board member for Health West Community Center.

Karl Geisler

Associate Professor of Economics, Idaho State University

Dr. Karl Geisler received his Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a regional economist his research primarily examines how economic activities spillover between jurisdictions, such as how casinos impact employment in host and adjacent counties. 

Patrick Pinheiro

Vice President of Risk Management, Idaho Central Credit Union

Patrick Pinheiro is Vice President of Risk Management at Idaho Central Credit Union, where he leads risk-related activities and provides strategic oversight. He brings nearly a decade of experience from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he worked as an Internal Consultant and Senior Business Consultant, advising senior management on risk governance and strategy. Prior to that, Patrick held roles at Zions Bancorporation as a Senior Business Analyst and Corporate Auditor and worked as a Risk Consultant at Deloitte, where he advised Fortune 500 companies and government institutions on risk and compliance. Patrick holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, a BS in Finance, and a BA in Economics from Brigham Young University. He also has technical degrees in Telecommunications and Electronics, along with certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO®).

Fred Parrish

University Business Officer for ISU Athletics, Office of Research, and College of Science and Engineering, Idaho State University