Richard O’Gara - Richard, the founder and director of the Wyoming Center for Business & Economic Analysis, completed his undergraduate work at Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio in economics and his graduate work in economics at the University of Wyoming. He taught Economics, Money & Banking, Financial Management and other courses for 27 years at Laramie County Community College before retiring from teaching in 2002.

In 1983, Richard created the Center for Economic & Business Data while at Laramie County Community College and then moved it to downtown Cheyenne in June 2004, changing its name to the Wyoming Center for Business & Economic Analysis. Prior to working at the college, he directed the Research & Statistics Division of the Wyoming Department of Labor and worked as a fiscal administrator for the Wyoming Recreation Commission. The author of numerous economic and financial columns, Richard also operates a national and international wholesale business.

Richard is a member of the National Association of Forensic Economists, the American Academy of Legal and Economic Experts, Cheyenne LEADS and the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.  He currently serves as a board member with the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority.

Cynthia Branch - A member of the WCBEA team since 2007, Cindy is an associate researcher who compiles data and maintains multiple databases for the Center. She also crafts all graphics and web-page enhancements and provides research assistance for the Center’s special projects.

Cindy’s experience is in data collection and reporting for hospitals. As a database administrator for Quality Improvement in acute care medical facilities, she developed extensive computer skills and knowledge of software programs vital to any research organization.

Cindy is currently working toward a Bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration.