Spokane – After an extensive nationwide search, Washington Policy Center (WPC) has named Sean O’Brien as its new Eastern Washington Director. Mr. O’Brien is the former Executive Director for the Congressional Western Caucus, a coalition of 80 Members of Congress whose mission is to represent the voices of rural communities from across the country in Washington, D.C. He also previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04).
 
“Sean’s experience and connections are the perfect fit for this important role,” remarked Michael Gallagher, WPC’s President and CEO. “Sean’s career has been spent learning the issues that concern Eastern Washington and rural communities. His commitment to the region is indisputable and we are delighted to have him on our team.”
 
"Sean has been a trusted advisor throughout my time in Congress and I am delighted he is joining Washington Policy Center,” Congressman Dan Newhouse explained. “His knowledge, legislative experience, and service as Executive Director of the Congressional Western Caucus will be critical assets to ensure the voices of communities east of the Cascades are heard in Olympia. He has been a steadfast advocate for sound public policy solutions impacting these communities for years – they are lucky to continue having Sean working on their behalf as WPC's Eastern Washington Director. I know we will continue to count on him in the years to come."
 
WPC’s Eastern Washington Director position is a dedicated and unique voice for Eastern Washington policy priorities. The Washington Policy Center is committed to all of Washington, and the position is one component of WPC’s effort to promote the critical importance of the powerful contribution Eastern Washington families and businesses add to our great state.    
 
“I am humbled to join Washington Policy Center's team and thrilled to continue working on behalf of Eastern Washington,” explained O’Brien. “As the region faces both challenges and opportunities, WPC's work advocating for sound policy solutions is more important than ever. My career has been rooted in working on behalf of these local communities, so I am looking forward to putting my skills and legislative experience to work as Eastern Washington Director.”
 
This is O’Brien’s second experience with WPC, having served as a Janet and Doug True Research intern with WPC a decade ago. His first foray into public policy was in the office of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
 
"Sean began his career in public policy in my office and I am delighted he'll now be bringing his expertise to Washington Policy Center's team,” related Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. “We have counted on his legislative acumen on issues critical to Eastern Washington, including energy, natural resources, and the fight to save the Snake River dams. It has been a pleasure witnessing Sean's growth over the years, from his time in my office to working for Congressman Newhouse and most recently in leading the Congressional Western Caucus. We know he will serve WPC and the people of Eastern Washington well and I look forward to continuing to work with Sean in his new role."
 
O’Brien will begin his tenure as Eastern Washington Director on December 1.