Myers promoted to head research programs at Washington Policy Center
Long-time Vice-President for Research Paul Guppy named Senior Researcher
SEATTLE – On May 1st, Washington Policy Center’s (WPC) long-time Center for the Environment Director Todd Myers will take over as WPC’s Vice President for Research, the think tank announced today. Myers will lead and manage the organization’s research team while still providing insight and analysis into state environmental and energy policies.
Myers has more than 20 years’ experience in environmental policy and is a former member of the executive team at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. He is the author of two books, including “Time to Think Small: How nimble environmental technologies can solve the planet’s biggest problems.” Myers has appeared on numerous news networks including CNN, the BBC and Fox News, and his writings have been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Seattle Times, USA Today, and many other national and state publications. Myers served as vice president of the Northwest Association of Biomedical Research and received their Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for his support of bioscience and also served as president of the Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation, a nonprofit providing medicines to low-income patients.
“For years, Todd Myers has been a much-needed voice of reason in the policy discussions that will determine the future of our great state and his commitment to following the facts — no matter where they lead — has earned him the reputation of being a thoughtful advocate and champion for people all across the Pacific Northwest,” remarked Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “Above all, Todd is a proven leader who understands trust is where the magic happens, which leaves me no doubt he will excel in his new role and continue taking the Washington Policy Center to new heights.”
“Todd has long advocated, and practiced, the principle of letting the facts tell the story,” praised Nisqually Indian Tribe Natural Resources Director David Troutt. “This will give Todd an opportunity to further that passion and allow us to focus on the solution and not argue over the data.”
"Todd Myers' understanding of salmon recovery has been central to advancing Puget Sound salmon recovery,” commended Joe Ryan, former Director, Salmon Recovery, Puget Sound Partnership. “He provides careful, unbiased analyses of ecosystem recovery challenges and drives positive outcomes for salmon."
Myers takes over the role of WPC Vice President from Paul Guppy, who has served as WPC’s Vice President for Research for the past 26 years, and who will continue with WPC under the new role of Senior Researcher.
“Paul Guppy is the only VP of Research our think tank has ever known,” explained Steven Hatting, WPC President and CEO. “He’s built a nationally renowned reputation for the breadth and depth of his policy work and the same can be said for Todd Myers. Washington Policy Center has been incredibly fortunate to have such a gifted tandem collaborating for nearly 20 years and for the opportunity to continue that collaboration in the years ahead. I am confident the best is yet to come from our research team.”
“After 26 years as Vice President, it seemed like a good time to return to more writing and less managing,” explained Paul Guppy about initiating the shift to a new role. “I asked the Board if I could move to position with more academic focus and less administrative work and they agreed. Todd is experienced, well respected and knows the issues. He is more than qualified and will bring an exciting new energy to our work.”
“I’ve seen how thoughtful policy can make a positive difference for how we act as stewards of the environment and how people live their lives,” Myers said. “Free markets are not only the most effective way to make our world better, they are the most moral way to empower people and respect the dignity and value of every person. Good policy improves lives and I’m proud to be leading a team of talented and caring researchers committed to finding ways to improve policy with free market solutions that make this state a better place.”
