The Center for Strategic Economic Research (CSER) maintains a highly qualified team of professionals. CSER's staff is supported by a network of associates in the broader research community as well as economic development and university partners. CSER's Director and Economic Advisor are invited to speak regularly within the economic development and business communities who rely on the Center's research as a key resource for identifying and analyzing local, statewide, and national economic trends. Brief bios for CSER's core staff are provided below.

DIRECTOR

Ryan Sharp serves as CSER's Director performing and directing original analysis and research for CSER projects. Mr. Sharp has a Master's Degree in International Affairs from California State University, Sacramento with a focus in public policy and administration; a designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council; a graduate-level certificate in Collaborative Governance from California State University, Sacramento; and a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations specializing in political and economic development from the University of California, Davis. He has experience in both the public and private sectors and has developed a wide range of skills in complex economic analyses including input-output analysis, market area and economic development strategies, economic structure and specialization evaluations, occupational skills and labor force assessments, and regional growth and development approaches. In addition, working as a consultant for a professional services and advisory firm he acquired strong skills in program evaluation, performance measurement, project management, government relations, and financial assessment. Further, as project manager for a non-profit environmental institute, he managed a scientific research project and implemented an online environmental reporting system leading to the development of high-quality research, management, and writing skills.
E-Mail: ryan@strategiceconomicresearch.org

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Helen Schaubmayer, CSER's Deputy Director, is responsible for conducting original and secondary research and analysis for most CSER projects. Ms. Schaubmayer has a Bachelor's Degree in German and International Relations (specializing in economic development) from the University of California, Davis, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento. She has experience in the local non-profit and private sectors. Her recent positions prior to CSER were Member Services Assistant, Project Manager, and Operations Manager. Responsibilities in those positions included coordinating/developing membership correspondence; developing manuals and presentations to train global departments on new procedures; and recommending organizational process improvements and documenting the approved processes. Ms. Schaubmayer's previous work experience plus her educational background allowed her to develop her project management, research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.
E-Mail: helen@strategiceconomicresearch.org

ECONOMIC ADVISOR

Dr. Suzanne O'Keefe serves as an Economic Advisor to CSER providing guidance on research approaches for complex research engagements. Dr. O'Keefe has over 11 years experience in economics faculty positions at the University of California, Berkeley; University of Southern California, Sacramento Center; and is currently an Associate Professor of Economics at California State University, Sacramento. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1999 with fields of concentration in public finance, labor economics, and applied microeconomics and her B.A. in Economics and B.S. in Human Development from the University of California, Davis with highest honors in 1994. Dr. O'Keefe's current research interests include migration within California, the effect of the living wage on disposable income, and the effectiveness of enterprise zones. She has been published in several journals and reports and has presented her research in the Sacramento Region, Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Dr. O'Keefe is affiliated with the American Economics Association and the International House Davis, where she serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors.
E-Mail: sokeefe@csus.edu

ASSOCIATES

Michelle Stephens is an Associate focused on conducting research for CSER’s economic development projects. Ms. Stephens has a Master’s of Science in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing from the University of California, Davis. She has experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis from her positions with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Yolo County Economic Development Department, and the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED). She also has extensive experience in research and content creation for both the private sector and public agencies. Her professional background includes business retention and expansion outreach, research into international business relations and the effects on local communities, entrepreneurship, and planning law.
E-Mail: michelle@strategiceconomicresearch.org

RESEARCH ANALYSTS

Heather Kendrick is one of CSER's Research Analysts. Ms. Kendrick has a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Davis and a Masters of Laws in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Ms. Kendrick is currently working towards a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. Prior to CSER Ms. Kendrick worked as an attorney specializing in tax planning. Responsibilities included analyzing complex business problems and designing innovative solutions. Ms. Kendrick’s background has developed her research, writing, and analytical skills.
E-Mail: heather@strategiceconomicresearch.org

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Celeste Silveira, Contracts Manager
E-Mail: csilveira@sacto.org