Caitlin McKennie is the talent pipeline economist for the Colorado Workforce Development Council Office and the Colorado Department of Higher Education. In this shared-agency position, Caitlin’s role is motivated by data creation and collection as an analytical tool for informed decision-making. She supports the CWDC’s efforts to develop and sustain an industry-led talent development network through her empirical research and analyses centered on Colorado's workforce from both demand and supply perspectives. Caitlin has been with the State of Colorado since 2017 and brings extensive experience in public policy and economics to this role in a manner that is outcome-focused and equity-driven. She holds an M.A. in applied economics from the University of Colorado, Denver, and an M.S. in mineral and energy economics from the Colorado School of Mines. Caitlin has also recently obtained her Ph.D. in economics after many years of diligent research surrounding sustainability, energy consumption, household finances, and the general welfare of populations at the state and local levels.