Dr. John Connaughton is Professor of Financial Economics and Director of the North Carolina Economic Forecast in the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his Ph.D. degree in Economics from Northeastern University and has been at UNC Charlotte since 1978. The North Carolina Economic Forecast is recognized as the leading source of economic information for North Carolina for over 40 years.

His areas of specialization are in economic forecasting and economic impact analysis.  He has authored over 30 scholarly articles on economic forecasting techniques and on economic impact analysis.  In addition, he has also produced more than 50 economic impact reports using IMPLAN software and data on a wide variety of projects and industries.  In addition, he has consulted with the NFL on the appropriate use of IMPLAN and RIMS II impact analysis programs.

Connaughton has served on the Governor's Task Force on Economic Incentives and the Oversight Committee for the William States Lee Act.  He has also testified to the North Carolina General Assembly on the impacts of Covid-19 on the state’s economy.