SPOKANE – Washington Policy Center’s (WPC) Eastern Washington efforts won’t have to wait for a new director. Following Michael and Eleanor Baumgartner stepping down as WPC Eastern Washington Directors so Michael can focus on running for Congress, Chris Corry has been named to the position and will lead the think tank’s promotion of free market-based policy solutions and outreach throughout Eastern Washington. Corry was previously serving as WPC’s Center for Government Reform Director and will continue to provide insight and analysis on related issues as he assumes the new role.

“This role is a natural fit for Chris,” said Steven Hatting, Washington Policy Center’s President and CEO. “Chris has deep roots in Eastern Washington, he’s a dynamic communicator with a firm grasp of our issues, and he understands and is motivated by how policy impacts people. He wants to see lives improve, which is at the core of what we do.”

"Over his first year leading Washington Policy Center’s government reform efforts, Chris Corry demonstrated a tremendous understanding of the state budget, but he has so much more to offer our stakeholders from the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla up through Yakima, Wenatchee, and Spokane,” exclaimed Greg Porter, Chair of WPC’s board of directors. “He brings more than 20 years of business and farming perspective living and working east of the Cascades. Chris understands the needs of Eastern Washington, and I am excited to see him lead WPC’s outreach and programs throughout the region in 2024."

Spokane’s Joanna Cable, a member of WPC’s governing board, praised Corry’s commitment to helping people while gaining their perspectives on how policies shape their lives. “Chris is a thorough researcher. He spends so much of his time out hearing from the people experiencing the greatest impact of our state’s policy decisions to identify the true hot points from all perspectives. He is a big believer in respecting every viewpoint, collecting real-world data, and using logic to navigate the path of greatest benefit for Washingtonians. Chris will be a great partner and leader for Eastern Washington.”

Corry, his wife Jennica, and their four kids make their home in Yakima, where Chris has long been a leader in the community. He serves on several boards including Crime Stoppers of Yakima County, Central Washington State Fair Board, and the Yakima Salvation Army Advisory Board. He has also been a licensed foster parent. Additionally, he has more than eighteen years of professional experience in the insurance industry and risk management.

“As someone who cherishes Eastern Washington and the amazing people who call this place home, this transition feels like a natural fit for me,” Corry explained. “Moreover, the Washington Policy Center’s motto, ‘improving lives through free-market solutions,’ resonates deeply with my longstanding interest in policy that promotes flourishing lives. Many individuals lack the time to closely track public policy, yet their lives are profoundly affected by these decisions. Policies can either facilitate or hinder job opportunities, impact energy costs, and influence healthcare accessibility. At WPC, our mission is to seek out policies that enhance people’s well-being, and that purpose truly matters to me.”

Chris Corry will be at the Centerplace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley on May 2^nd from 4PM to 6PM for WPC’s State of the Free Market Panel on education, the environment and small business. Organizations seeking to have Chris Corry come and speak about Washington Policy Center work are encouraged to contact him directly at CCorry@WashingtonPolicy.org.