Patty Hernandez is co-founder and executive director of Headwaters Economics. She has played a formative role in building a highly productive team, a positive culture, and impactful work for which Headwaters Economics is known.
Hernandez has 20 years of experience in economic development research, community assistance, technology solutions, and nonprofit leadership. She has led Headwaters Economics’ development of highly regarded interactive data tools—such as Neighborhoods at Risk and Wildfire Risk to Communities—that help communities adapt to climate change.
To all her work, Hernandez brings a commitment to rigorous research and a deep dedication to helping communities thrive in a changing world. She has worked directly with local governments in 15 states spanning the country; federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency; national organizations including the National Association of Counties and the National Association of Development Organizations; and colleagues at numerous academic institutions, charitable foundations, and other nonprofits to support sustainable community development.
Patty grew up in Miami, Florida, and holds a master’s degree in ecology. She spent two years in remote parts of Alaska working on public lands management before moving to Helena, Montana.