Kate Watkins has been appointed as the new State Demographer for Colorado, succeeding Elizabeth Garner who has held the position for twenty years. Watkins, who previously worked as an economist at the General Assembly’s Legislative Council and founded Bright Fox Analytics, will start part-time on November 2 before transitioning to full-time on December 2. In a statement, Watkins expressed her excitement for the role and her eagerness to work with communities across the state to provide vital demographic information for future planning.
Maria de Cambra, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs, praised Watkins for her stellar reputation and described her as a pillar in the Denver business economics community. The State Demographer’s Office is responsible for providing population estimates and forecasts for Colorado’s regions, counties, and municipalities in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau.
Watkins holds multiple degrees, including a bachelor’s in economics and international studies, a master’s in sociology, a master’s in global finance, trade, and economic integration, and a Ph.D. in sociology. Her appointment has been met with enthusiasm from colleagues and stakeholders, who believe she will continue the legacy of excellence at the State Demographer’s Office. Watkins’ background in economics and data analysis, as well as her experience with state revenue forecasts during the COVID-19 pandemic, make her a well-suited candidate for the role.
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