FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2022
Contact: Daniel Scarpinato
520-668-7518
Ratlief: 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
PHOENIX, AZ – The Common Sense Institute (CSI) today announced Katie Ratlief, current Deputy Chief of Staff for Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, will serve as the nonprofit’s new Executive Director, effective in January 2023. Katie will join CSI as a Strategic Advisor until assuming the research organization’s top leadership role in a full-time capacity in January.
“Katie is unbelievably talented and remarkably qualified,” said CSI Board of Directors Vice-Chair, Lisa Graham Keegan, “For years, she has been the ultimate public servant; an exemplary and character-driven leader with unparalleled expertise. We very much look forward to CSI’s future with her leading our mission stewardship efforts.”
CSI is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Arizona’s economy. CSI currently operates in two states, Colorado, and Arizona, with plans to launch additional state chapters.
Katie brings a decade of experience in economic development and public policy, including six years at the Office of the Arizona Governor where she leads strategic development, state policy/budget initiatives and legislative relations. In her current role as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Arizona Governor, Katie is responsible for leading the Governor’s Office advocacy efforts on impactful policies positively affecting Arizonans.
“Katie’s unmatched policy expertise and leadership have been vital to my office’s work to serve Arizonans and secure our state’s future,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “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,” continued Governor Ducey.
During her tenure at the Governor’s Office, Katie has been an integral part of bipartisan policies such as the Opioid Epidemic Act, 20×2020 teacher pay raise, the nation’s first universal license recognition law, the Drought Contingency Plan, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, an updated gaming compact, and historic tax reform.
“I am extremely excited to see Katie become the new Executive Director for CSI and have no doubt she will excel in her new role,” said Representative Cesar Chavez. “She has become a go-to problem solver for our state, bringing people together. She always strives to work in a bipartisan fashion, and her professional ethos perfectly aligns with her new role in which she will seek to make Arizona a better state for everyone.”
Prior to joining the Arizona Governor’s Office, Katie served as Director of Legal and Federal Affairs at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, where she developed the organization’s federal policy agenda and strategically promoted policies at the state and federal levels to advance Arizona economic development.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Katie over the past decade and can say she is an excellent leader,” said Danny Seiden, CEO and President of the Arizona Chamber & Industry & CSI Board Member. “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.”
In just over 6 months since launching an Arizona office, the Common Sense Institute has released over 20 reports and has been cited in over 75 news clips. With Katie as the new Executive Director, the nonprofit is extremely optimistic about Arizona’s future.
“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,” said Katie Ratlief.
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Common Sense Institute Arizona is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of the state’s economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Arizona and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Arizonans. CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Arizonans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives.