2025 economic summit

Dr. Steven Peterson is Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Idaho, where he is a research economist and economic impact analyst. His areas of expertise include input/output modeling, economic impact assessments and regional and local economic analysis. As an economic consultant and analysis, he has more than 20 years experience providing economic impact data, studies and consulting to corporations, municipal and state government, and a range of industries from healthcare to nuclear energy to environmental and Native American tribes.

Timothy Nadreau, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Idaho and a research economist and principal in the Recon Insight Group. Recon Insight provides economic tools at the local level in order to build regional economic knowledge. Dr. Nadreau has spoken on the critical role education plays in shaping the economic development of local communities, particularly in the Inland Empire. Dr. Nadreau provides in-depth insights on how education drives job creation, industry growth, and regional development, while also addressing the significant economic barriers that prevent access to quality education for many in our region.

Ford Elsaesser is a senior partner in the law firm Elsaesser Anderson Chtd. A nearly lifelong resident of Sandpoint, he has served in numerous community roles and currently is chairman of the Idaho Lakes Commission and board president of Bonner General Health. He is and has been involved with several universities and colleges over the years including St. John’s Law School LL.M. Bankruptcy Program, and the University of Idaho School Advisory Board. Ford teaches as an adjunct professor at both the University of Idaho Law School and at St. John’s University Law School in the LL.M. Program.

Molly Sanchez is the Chief Community Investment Officer at Innovia, the community foundation serving 20 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Molly helps Innovia Foundation connect donor generosity to programs and initiatives that strengthen the social fabric communities across the region. Molly is committed to building and strengthening relationships with grassroots community partners to guide Innovia’s investments that increase access to education, promote health and wellbeing, support arts and culture, create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life. Born and raised in Spokane, her deep roots in the Inland Northwest inspire her to facilitate strategic collaborations among funders, nonprofit organizations, community residents and other stakeholders, fostering transformative impact in our region. Molly’s desire to learn about people and understand their stories led her to a degree in journalism from Eastern Washington University, followed by careers in print and broadcast journalism, public relations and nonprofit development.

Joshua Kaiel is the Director of Community Development at Innovia Foundation, where he blends a passion for community growth with a talent for turning challenges into opportunities. Joshua holds an undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and a master’s degree from Concordia University. With more than 28 years of experience in education and business, he has a proven track record of driving meaningful growth and change, leading initiatives that have scaled national sports and education programs while empowering local leaders and business owners to create lasting impact. At Innovia, Joshua manages the Community Heart & Soul Program, helping rural communities shape their future through resident-driven planning and collaboration.

Paul J. Kimmell is the Palouse regional business and public affairs manager with Avista Corporation. He holds a BS in Geography/Urban Planning from Illinois State University and did graduate work at the University of Idaho in the College of Mines. Kimmell is also a graduate of the Washington State Ag/Forestry Leadership Program. Kimmell has held positions with Boise Cascade Corporation, Wyoming State Land Office and was Chief Title Officer with Security Title of Baltimore in Colorado Springs. Kimmell also served as North Idaho Regional Director for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and was a three-term Latah County commissioner from 1999 to 2007. Kimmell was elected president of the Idaho Association of Commissioners and Clerks in 2004, chaired the Idaho Cities and Counties Taskforce and was recognized as Idaho’s Outstanding County Official in 2006. He was also recognized with the Idaho Economic Development Association Distinguished Service Award in 2017.