Kent Gardner, Ph.D. President & Chief Economist
(585) 327-7054 One-page bio | High res photo

Expertise
Economics and public finance

Issues explored range from public finance and economic competitiveness to energy policy and organizational efficiency. Dr. Gardner also has extensive experience assessing the economic and fiscal impacts of major developments, institutions or policy changes on communities, regions and the state. His analyses have addressed existing and proposed institutions, programs and physical developments. Dr. Gardner also serves on NY Governor David Paterson's Council of Economic Advisors.

Current Projects

• Development of tools and approaches to estimate the economic impact of the activities of the New York Power Authority, which operates 18 generating plants and 1,400 miles of power transmission
• Web-based community profiles that help drive strategic planning designed to stimulate community solutions for critical challenges

Completed Projects
Topics addressed include:

• Economic impact of wind farm development
• Economic and social impacts of casino gambling
• Net distribution of state expenditures and revenues in New York
• Role of nonprofits and educational institutions in the New York economy
• Contribution of New York state government to the development and allocation of below-market energy
• Dissemination of broadband Internet in rural areas
• Economic impact of health-related research or health institutions
• Evaluation of industrial development agencies
• Fiscal impact of community land use developments
• Cost control and management in government service areas
• Program evaluation of private school voucher programs
• Fiscal impact of economic development alternatives
• Medicaid cost containment
• Assessment of consolidation planning issues related to school districts and libraries for a study for Nassau County on Long Island 

Education
Dr. Gardner holds B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Background
Dr. Gardner joined CGR in 1991 as Director of Economic Analysis and became President in 2005. Previously he was Associate Professor of Economics at Potsdam College of the State University of New York., where he also founded the North Country Economic Research Center. His previous experience includes serving as senior economist for a Saratoga Springs NY-based consulting group.