Tim Bartik is a senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, where he has worked since 1989. Bartik co-directs the Institute’s research initiative on place-based policies.

Bartik’s research has focused on the benefits and costs of labor demand policies, particularly in local labor markets. His research has examined what types of job creation policies have the lowest cost per job, and how the effectiveness of job creation policies in boosting earnings per capita varies in distressed versus booming local labor markets. Bartik’s research has considered state and local economic development policies, as well as federal policies to boost labor demand.

Bartik’s relevant publications include Abundance Strategies Should Promote Abundant Jobs in Distressed Places (Upjohn Institute policy paper, 2025); How State Governments Can Target Job Opportunities to Distressed Places (Upjohn Institute report, 2022); “Using Place-Based Jobs Policies to Help Distressed Communities” (Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2020); Making Sense of Incentives: Taming Business Incentives to Promote Prosperity (2019 book); Jobs for the Poor: Can Labor Demand Policies Help? (2001 book); and Who Benefits from State and Local Economic Development Policies? (1991 book).

Bartik received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1982.

Ayushi Narayan conducts research on labor market institutions to help the Community Development and Engagement team understand how employment-related policies and trends affect low- and moderate-income communities. Prior to joining the Bank, her work included roles at the Council of Economic Advisers, Nike, and Amazon.

Narayan received her Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and her B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Hue Nguyen serves as the Community Affairs Officer for the Bank and leads the work of the Community Development and Engagement Division’s policy team to inform policy discussions through research-based insights on issues affecting low- and moderate-income communities and tribal nations.

Nguyen has extensive experience facilitating community engagement and leading policy teams in both the executive and legislative branches in Minnesota state government. She has spent over 20 years working on public policies in the areas of housing, education, and taxation. Prior to coming to the Bank in 2023, Nguyen served as a director of government affairs at Target Corporation. She is also active on several community and statewide boards.

Nguyen holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from the University of Minnesota.

Adam Ozimek is the chief economist at the Economic Innovation Group, where he serves on the executive team and spearheads a growing body of research initiatives. Previously, he was the chief economist at Upwork as well as a senior economist at Moody’s Analytics, where he managed U.S. demographic forecasts and research.

Ozimek’s research spans an array of economics fields including labor markets, demographics, and remote work. His research has been cited in publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. Ozimek holds a Ph.D. in economics from Temple University.

Jen Swalboski is the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) director at Hired, where she leads the organization’s largest and most complex program area supporting families who are navigating public assistance while working toward economic stability.

With more than 12 years of experience in workforce development and social services, Swalboski brings a deep understanding of how policy, practice, and human connection intersect. Since joining Hired as an employment counselor, she has held multiple leadership roles and has helped shape innovative, whole family approaches, including the launch of Hired’s Family Home Visiting Program. Known as a collaborative and visionary leader, Swalboski prioritizes staff growth, accountability, and centering participant voices in program design.

Swalboski is a graduate of Leadership Twin Cities and is trained in motivational interviewing, domestic violence advocacy, offender workforce development, and parent education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master’s degree in sociology from Utah State University.

Neal Young is the director of economic analysis at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), where he previously worked as an economic analyst. In addition to his service at DEED, Young has worked as an analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Iowa Department of Revenue.

Young has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and a Master of Arts in public affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs.