Robert is a Senior Vice President and the Economic and Public PolicyOfficer for Zions Bank. In this capacity he monitors and reports on economic indicators and public policy developments for the bank. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank is Utah's oldest financial institution and it operates locations in communities throughout the Intermountain West.

Robert's research interests are primarily in the areas of macroeconomics, demographics, financial markets and public policy. He frequently advises and briefs policymakers, as well as business and civic groups throughout theUnited States. He is also regularly called on to give expert analysis in the media, through print, radio, and television. He is known for his insightful and understandable approach to explaining economic trends.

Robert also serves in the Utah House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2014. He representsDistrict 49 in the Legislature, covering parts of Sandy and Cottonwood Heights cities. He is the Chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Vice Chair of Rules Committee. He also serves on the Public Education Appropriations Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee.

Robert serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the Utah Economic Council, the UtahInternational Relations and Trade Commission, and Envision Utah.

His previous experience includes time as the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Federal Relations, theGovernor's Chief Economist and the State Demographer, where he served as the Chair of the Governor'sCouncil of Economic Advisers, Chair of the Utah Population Estimates Committee, and President of the Wasatch Front Economic Forum.

Robert received a Master’s of Public Administration with an emphasis in economic public policy at theUniversity of Utah, where he is currently an adjunct instructor of public policy.

Robert is married and the father of four children.