SEATTLE, WA (March 11, 2025) – Washington Policy Center (WPC), a nonpartisan policy research leader supporting the people of Washington state, has appointed government performance guru John Bernard as its 2025 WPC Research Fellow for Accountability. Specifically, Mr. Bernard will assist in the development of research, tools and content to improve citizens’ understanding of public policy, its implementation, and how to provide needed feedback to government leaders.  

With the addition, WPC President & CEO Steven Hatting said, “John Bernard has a long record of bipartisan success in improving state government outcomes both regionally and nationally. As our elected officials ramp up spending and regulations, it’s too difficult for Washingtonians to track the results we’ve all been promised. By adding one of the nation’s leaders in good governance, WPC enhances its role as a trusted source of the facts citizens need to understand how policy decisions in education, the economy, and our environment are impacting families and businesses in real time. John will add to our efforts to make Washington a model state for accountability in government.”   

Along with a private sector career that included founding five successful companies and consulting as a Lean pioneer for industry leaders including Nike, Baxter, Kaiser Permanente and Tektronix, Mr. Bernard established himself as a sought-after government performance authority and best-selling author of “Business at the Speed of Now” and the widely acclaimed “Government That Works,” a comprehensive study of how states are using accountability and transparency to transform government. Prior to his WPC appointment, he served as a transformation advisor to six state governor-driven programs, including Michigan’s Good Government and the Arizona Management System, and has been a featured expert with NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox Business TV. 

“John’s vast experience, stellar record of working with Republicans and Democrats, and unparalleled commitment to high performing governments aligns perfectly with the work we do every day,” added WPC Vice President for Research Todd Myers. “He will be vital to helping us advance our research, drive government accountability, and create opportunities for every Washingtonian. I’m excited to work with John in this new capacity.”