SEATTLE - Nationally recognized financial analyst Ryan Frost has been named Director of Budget and Tax Policy at Washington Policy Center (WPC). As Washington prepares to enter the 2026 Legislative Session facing significant shortfalls despite ten-figure historic tax hikes last spring, Frost will be a vital addition to WPC’s research team measuring public policy impact and developing free-market solutions across a broad spectrum of public policy areas including education, agriculture, energy and the environment, transportation and more. In his new role, Frost will lead WPC’s Center for Government Reform.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to join WPC, an organization dedicated to promoting common-sense fiscal policies for our state,” said Frost. “Having grown up in Olympia and started both my career and family here, Washington is my home. I’ve pesonally seen and felt how state and local policies can quickly erode quality of life, but I am optimistic for Washington. Sound and durable policy always begins with facts and rigorous analysis. I am confident we can offer innovative and effective policy solutions that relieve financial pressure and foster economic growth.”
Frost is a renowned expert on government pension policy and previously served as the senior research and policy manager for the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement System, as well as spending time as an analyst for the Washington State Legislature. Most recently, Frost served as a managing director at Reason Foundation, a leading voice across America for journalism and public policy that promotes individual liberty, free markets and the rule of law.
“Ryan is a top-level analyst, respected across the country for his thought leadership and precision,” said WPC Vice President for Research Todd Myers. “Washington is in desperate need of new ideas to solve our budget and tax problems. Ryan’s exceptional depth and ability to break down complex problems are welcome additions for our team, the media and the citizens of our state. Ryan is the perfect person to fill this important role moving forward.”
Ryan has been published in numerous news sources across the country, including The Orange County Register, The Tennessee Star and The Center Square as well as industry publications like the National Association of State Retirement Administrators. Frost also drafted influential legislation that included an annuity rollover for defined-benefit plans, the first of its kind in Washington state.
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan on board,” explained Steven Hatting, WPC President and CEO. “He is a trusted and respected name in public policy nationwide. Bringing his focus to our state at a time when too many legislators seem unable to control their spending of constituents’ hard-earned dollars will be game changing. We’re excited to work with him and connect him with our stakeholders and the elected officials who are truly interested in a more sustainable financial path for the future of Washington.”
Ryan Frost began his new role at WPC on December 1.