2017 GFS Birthplace of Austrian Economics Cruise

Mark Skousen is known as "America's Economist," having recently been named one of the top 20 living economists in the world. Dr. Skousen has taught economics and finance at Columbia Business School and was recently appointed the first Doti-Spogli Endowed Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University in California.  He is the editor of the award-winning investment newsletter, Forecasts & Strategies, the author of The Maxims of Wall Street, and has the unique distinction of having worked three careers—working for the government (the CIA), non-profits (president of FEE), and for-profit corporations (consultant to IBM, and producer of FreedomFest).

Jo Ann Skousen is the associate editor of Mark Skousen's Forecasts & Strategies and co-author or editor of two dozen books on economics and finance. She teaches English literature and writing at Chapman University in Southern California and was a featured teacher in the HBO documentary, "University of Sing Sing." Mrs. Skousen served as the presentation coach for two inmate-directed TEDx programs at Sing Sing. She is also the founding director of the Anthem Libertarian Film Festival, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, and is co-producer of FreedomFest, an eclectic conference that attracts nearly 250 speakers and 2,500 attendees each year.

Richard Zundritsch holds a Master's and PhD in law from the University of Vienna. He is an independent financial advisor based in Switzerland and specializes in capital markets, wealth management, succession planning, and venture capital. Before founding his company, Dr. Zundritsch worked in international corporate finance for a number of global banks. He is also a long-standing board member of the Austrian Economics Center and the Hayek Institute.

Barbara Kolm is founding director of the Austrian Economics Center and also serves as president of the Friedrich A. v. Hayek Institut, both think tanks with international outreach that are dedicated to the Austrian School of Economics and the promotion of individual freedom, responsibility, and prosperity. She is also a professor of Austrian Economics at the University Donja Gorica. Ms. Kolm publishes economic analyses, provides expertise on national, state, and municipal budgets, and serves as a consultant for structural reforms and best practices. She holds degrees in business studies and economics and serves as CEO in private enterprises, as well as NGOs and does ongoing academic research and lecturing at universities.