The Firm
Our Staff
Six professional analysts with backgrounds in economics, finance, and accounting.
Economic Consulting Staff
EW
Edward T. Wolpert, Ph.D.
Senior Economist
Joined 1998
- Ph.D. in Economics — Florida State University, 1998
- M.S. in Economics — Florida State University, 1997
- M.A. in Applied Economics — University of Central Florida, 1994
- Qualified expert witness in Federal and Florida Circuit Court
- Adjunct Professor of Economics, Rollins College, 2021 to present; previously University of Central Florida (1999–2012) and Florida State University (1996–1998)
- Economic Analyst for State University Economic Impact and Tax Studies — Florida State University, Tallahassee and Panama City campuses
MR
Matthew B. Raffa, Ph.D.
Economist
Joined 1997
- Ph.D. in Economics — Florida State University, 1999
- Doctoral dissertation — “The Use and Effects of Economic Experts in Tort Litigation”
- Co-author, “The Role of the Economist in Life Care Planning,” Chapter 18 of Life Care Planning and Case Management Across the Lifespan, 5th ed. (Routledge, 2023)
- Economic Analyst for State University Economic Impact Studies — Florida State University, Tallahassee and Panama City campuses
- Adjunct Professor — University of Central Florida, 1999–2002
BW
Brian C. Wells, M.B.A.
Economist
Joined 1988
- M.B.A. — University of Central Florida, 1996
- Over 35 years experience evaluating personal injury, workers' compensation, and employment discrimination claims
- Author of “A Present Value Analysis of the Diminution of the Earning Capacity and the Cost of Life Care Needs of Ms. Jane Doe”
- Seminar presenter on the role of the economist in evaluating life care plans
FF
Frances Ferrato, M.B.A.
Economist
Joined 2006
- B.A. in Economics — University of Central Florida, 2006
- M.B.A. — University of Central Florida, 2017
- Omicron Delta Epsilon — International Honor Society in Economics
- Over 20 years experience reviewing and analyzing personal injury claims
MS
Mareike Schulz, M.B.A.
Economist
Joined 2006
- Executive M.B.A. — University of Central Florida, 2012
- B.S.B.A. in Economics and B.S.B.A. in Marketing — University of Central Florida, 2005
- Winner, UCF College of Business Capstone Competition, 2005 and 2012
- Omicron Delta Epsilon — International Honor Society in Economics
- Over 20 years experience reviewing and analyzing wrongful death claims
SH
Susan A. Hisey
Research Associate
Joined 1987
- Over 35 years experience reviewing wrongful death claims
- Database manager and data analyst responsible for maintaining the firm's historical economic data file
- Editorial assistant to Volumes 9–11 of Damages in Tort Actions
FR
Frederick A. Raffa, Ph.D.
Founder — Retired
- Ph.D. in Economics — Florida State University, 1969
- University Professor, University of Central Florida, 1969–1998
- Author of Evaluation and Proof of Economic Loss, Volumes 9–11 of Damages in Tort Actions (Matthew Bender / LexisNexis, 1982–2024)
- Expert witness in over 850 trials throughout seventeen states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Frequent lecturer to bar associations and other groups
Administrative Staff
BW
RM
Robyn Monaco
Administrative Assistant / Case Intake Supervisor
Joined 2011
JL