James McCafferty

Speaker

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Bio:

James McCafferty helps audiences make sense of today’s economic realities — and what they mean for tomorrow. A sought-after speaker and Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University, James blends data, policy insight, and practical strategy to help organizations and communities chart a clear path forward.

With more than 20 years of experience, James delivers high-impact presentations that make complex economic topics approachable and actionable. From industry disruptions and labor market shifts to infrastructure investment and small business development, his work supports informed decisions for governments, nonprofits, and private-sector leaders nationwide.

James’s speaking engagements span national conferences, regional summits, and leadership retreats. He customizes each presentation to reflect the unique dynamics of your region or sector — offering not just information, but tools to align economic trends with policy goals and organizational strategy.

James’ core skill areas include: research, financial modeling, business development, branding/identity, marketing, finance, tax and legal issues (from a lay perspective), operations, growth management, and strategic partnering.

James has an MBA from Western Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oregon, is a Certified Global Business Professional, serves as an Officer for the Seattle Economics Council and is a past board member of the Association of University Business and Economic Research.

Speaking Topics:

Translating Trends: Making Economic Data Work for Your Region

Learn how to interpret key national and regional trends — from employment and inflation to industry shifts — and turn them into actionable insights for your organization or community.

The Economics of Strategy: Aligning Mission, Market, and Momentum

Explore how organizations can use economic data to guide planning, assess opportunity, and inform strategic decision-making across sectors.

Workforce Futures: Navigating Labor Market Disruption and Opportunity

A deep dive into current labor force dynamics, emerging skill gaps, and the evolving employer-employee relationship — with tailored insights for your region or sector.

Policy Meets Practice: What Legislation Means for Your Bottom Line

From infrastructure funding to environmental mandates, this session breaks down how national and state-level policy decisions translate to real-world economic impact — and what leaders can do to prepare.

Rural Resilience and Economic Renewal

Understand the unique challenges and advantages of rural economies, and how data-informed approaches can support revitalization, entrepreneurship, and long-term resilience.

Custom Regional Briefings

Tailored economic outlooks and regional strategy sessions designed to give your audience insights specific to your geography, industry mix, and policy landscape.

Economic Insights for the Puget Sound Region and Beyond

Join James McCafferty from Western Washington University in this presentation as he takes you on a journey through the economic landscape. They will provide a comprehensive economic forecast, spanning the Puget Sound region, Washington state, and the national stage, while shedding light on the global factors shaping our future – China relations, inverted yield curves, student loan payments, global conflicts and threatened shutdowns.

Discover the unique attributes that set Washington and the Puget Sound region apart and why they defy conventional economic trends. The duo will also share insights into the recent non-occurring recession, offering a glimpse into our economic resilience and the factors that contributed to this outcome.

Furthermore, they will delve into the evolving dynamics of returning to the office and the distinctive job mix present in our region. Explore the future of downtown areas and retail in light of significant changes. For CPAs, they will discuss the transformative workforce shifts and their profound impact on labor-dependent businesses.