Contact Us
Interested in learning more about FloodWise Community Assistance? Please email us at floodwise@headwaterseconomics.org or fill out the form below.
Our Team

Patty Hernandez
Patty Hernandez is co-founder and Executive Director of Headwaters Economics. Patty has 18 years of experience in researching economic development, building partnerships, and developing technology solutions to help communities plan and adapt to a changing world.

Kris Smith, Ph.D.
Kris leads the team’s research and community engagement related to flood mitigation and contributes to research on public finance and fiscal policy. Kris holds a Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, a Master’s degree in Community Development & Applied Economics from the University of Vermont, and has a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences – Geography from Montana State University.