About the Founder

MetroForesight was developed by Shade T. Shutters, a complexity scientist who bridges ecosystem science with economic development to reveal hidden patterns in regional economies. His novel approach stems from a unique career trajectory that gives him a perspective few others possess.

After building a successful career in international finance that culminated as CEO of a European division of a multinational company, Shade made a decision to return to academia. Recognizing that economies behave like complex biological systems, he pursued a PhD in Systems Ecology, where he developed sophisticated data models that became the foundation for MetroForesight's methodology.

Unlike traditional economic development consultants, Dr. Shutters brings over 15 years of university-backed, peer-reviewed research validating his approach. His algorithms don't just analyze the same federal datasets everyone uses, they reveal the complex web of interconnections between industries and workforces that standard analyses miss. This work has earned recognition from major economic development organizations worldwide—from Germany's Ministry of Economics to Ontario's provincial government.

As Director of Economic Transformations at Arizona State University's Decision Theater, Shade transforms complex data into visualizations that help decision-makers see connections invisible to conventional analysis. His methods accurately predicted workforce gaps that delayed a $2 billion semiconductor plant in Phoenix—insights that could have saved years and millions had they been implemented earlier.

Shade combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical business understanding, eliminating the gap between academic theory and real-world application. His approach quantifies with remarkable precision how well regional workforces match potential industries, creating pathways for sustainable economic growth aligned with community values.

Dr. Shutters holds a PhD in Biology with focus on Systems Ecology from Arizona State University, where he was an NSF Predoctoral Fellow, and a BS in Business Administration from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.