The Washington Institute hired Eric Montague as a Policy Analyst and promoted Dan Zarelli to the new position of Communications Director.
Mr. Montague joins the Washington Institute after working as a contracting specialist and industry analyst for Boeing and Intel Corporation. He also worked for a time as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Slade Gorton. At the Institute his specialties will include assessing the growth of government regulation, researching ways to improve public services through contracting out, and tracking tax and spending trends at the state and local level. Mr. Montague holds a BA in Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University. He resides in Seattle.
"Eric has the right experience and temperament to dig into the facts of public policy and subject them to tough, fair-minded scrutiny. He's got the right mix of budget analyst and bloodhound that has made the Washington Institute the top independent think tank in the state," said Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research.
Dan Zarelli was promoted to direct the newly formed Communications Department at the Institute.
Mr. Zarelli, originally hired as Administrative Manager, recently served as Acting Operations Manager. He will resume some operational duties with his new communications duties.
"Hiring a Communications Director is part of our plan to take WIF to the next level of growth," said Dann Mead Smith, President. "Dan Zarelli has the skills to lead our Communications Department and increase our visibility around the state."
Mr. Zarelli was born in Tacoma and graduated from Whitworth College, where he studied American Studies and Economics. He currently resides in Seattle.
"Working for the Institute in two previous capacities has been enjoyable and I look forward to building a rapport with media outlets, allowing our message to reach across the state," said Mr. Zarelli.