The Common Sense Institute (CSI) Arizona announced Tuesday that Gov. Doug Ducey’s Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Ratlief will join the organization as its new executive director in January 2023.
“I am proud to become the Executive Director for CSI Arizona. I believe CSI has the unique capabilities to position Arizona at the forefront of the 21st century economy by capitalizing on unprecedented growth and an ever-evolving business environment through sound, accurate econometric research. At CSI, I believe we have a responsibility to use our diverse professional expertise and unwavering commitment to serve Arizonans to propel policy debates forward in pursuit of more meaningful and impactful policies,” Ratlief said.
Jan. 2023, @KatieRatlief will start as CSI Executive Director! "I believe CSI has unique capabilities to position AZ at the forefront of the 21st century economy by capitalizing on unprecedented growth & an ever-evolving business environment through sound, accurate research." pic.twitter.com/A4TQz796W4
— Common Sense Institute Arizona (@CSInstituteAZ) September 27, 2022
Ratlief will join the industry as a strategic advisor before taking the lead role next year. The CSI Arizona is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting Arizona’s economy and future. The organization examines the economic impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws to keep Arizonans educated on the issues that impact them. During its six months of operation, the CSI has released over 20 reports.
Ducey shared a congratulatory statement for Ratlief, stating that she has the experience and leadership qualities that make her right for the job.
“Katie’s unmatched policy expertise and leadership have been vital to my office’s work to serve Arizonans and secure our state’s future,” Ducey said. “Katie’s strong commitment to public service combined with her deep knowledge of complex policy issues have made her one of our state’s greatest leaders. I congratulate Katie on her new role and look forward to seeing all the great work she does for Arizona[.]”
While working in the governor’s office, Ratlief led strategic development, state policy and budget initiatives, and legislative relations. The CSI shared that she played a role in monumental policies such as the Opioid Epidemic Act, the first license recognition law in the nation, and the Drought Contingency Plan.
Before working for the governor, Ratlief served as the director of legal and federal affairs at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AZCCI), where she developed the organization’s federal policy agenda. Danny Seiden, CEO and President of AZCCI, said Ratlief is a resource that Arizona needs.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Katie over the past decade and can say she is an excellent leader,” Seiden said. “Katie’s extensive experience in economic development and unmatched policy expertise make her the perfect professional to lead CSI’s mission in strengthening our state’s economy through sound, accurate econometric research, a resource our state has desperately needed.”
Recently, the CSI unveiled its September Arizona Jobs and Labor Force Update. The report revealed that Arizona added 4.2 thousand nonfarm jobs in August, although the unemployment rate rose from 3.3 to 3.5 percent. Over 1,500 new jobs were in the manufacturing industry, showing the fourth-fastest recovery of the sector since the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Moreover, the CSI also made an update on inflation for September, one which did not paint a pretty picture. Year-over-year price inflation of 13 percent puts Phoenix well above the national average, the highest level ever recorded in the city. The typical Arizonan household has spent a combined $9,823 more on basic needs, goods, and services compared to the end of 2020.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Katie Ratlief” by Katie Ratlief.
