Vectra Bank's 2025 Annual Economic Forecast

Richard Entrup is Managing Director and Head of Emerging Solutions, Enterprise Innovation at KPMG in the U.S. In his role, he’s focused on emerging technologies or frontiers such as Generative AI, Quantum computing, Spatial computing/immersive learning, Digital Assets/Blockchain/Web3, Space, and others, helping clients explore the art of the possible and how to leverage emerging technology for business value.

Richard has significant experience leading digital transformation and innovation, digital marketing, technology operations, cybersecurity, and data/analytics/AI. Prior to joining KPMG, he led global technology operations, digital transformation, and innovation programs at many prominent global brands including Verizon, Christie’s, Disney/ABC, Time Warner, The Museum of Modern Art, Viacom, and Tiffany & Company. He has also served as a CIO, CTO, CDO, and CISO at several health care companies and an international law firm, with documented success aligning technology investments to strategic business objectives.

Richard is also a startup mentor at the Lead Sports Accelerator Program at Lake Nona, a mentor to students in the Executive Masters in Technology Management programs at Northeastern and Columbia University, and a startup and VC advisor, focused on GenAI, quantum, spatial, web3/blockchain, digital art, streaming with embedded eCommerce, and quantum-resistant cryptography.

Kate Watkins is Colorado’s State Demographer. She leads the Department of Local Affairs State Demography Office, which produces population and economic estimates and forecasts for use by the business community, nonprofits, and state and local governments. Kate has nearly two decades of experience analyzing economic and demographic trends in Colorado and beyond. Her career history includes serving as the Chief Economist for Colorado’s state legislature and as an economist at the Denver Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Kate has also served as an economic consultant in the private sector for a wide range of clients and was President of Bright Fox Analytics, an economic and data analysis consulting firm she founded in 2022.

Kate holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration from the University of Denver. She is faculty at the University of Colorado Denver's Executive MBA program and is President of the Denver Association of Business Economists.