Hart Hodges recently became a partner at Waycross Investment Management Company in Bellingham. Hodges is an associate professor in Western Washington University’s economic department and the director of the Center for Economic Business Research.

He will refine the Waycross proprietary investment stock used by the company while continuing his work at Western.

“One of the attractive aspects of Waycross to me is the challenge of looking at stock and bond markets through an economic lens to find value for clients,” he said in a press release. “This is where theory meets practice, and I’m excited about applying what I know to what Waycross is doing.”

Hodges holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Washington. He earned his master’s degree in natural resource economics and water resource systems from Duke University and his bachelor’s degree in American studies and environmental studies from Williams College.

“Hart’s academic background adds enormous depth to Waycross,” said Waycross president Mike Ryan in a press release. “He brings prodigious analytical and research skills and expertise in the regional economy.”