Oklahoma Policy Institute adds two new staff analysts

By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published 20-Jan-2011

Two new policy analysts have been added to the staff of Oklahoma Policy Institute, according to David Blatt. Blatt is a familiar figure at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City for the  methodical analyses he prepares for OK Policy, tackling tough public policy questions from a liberal or “progressive” perspective.

Blatt announced the new hires in an email letter to supporters and other regular readers of the group’s work, including CapitolBeatOK.

Blatt said Gene Perry and Kate Richey both began work with OK Policy this week, and will be based in the group’s Tulsa office. Blatt said, “Kate and Gene are both extremely bright, creative and energetic individuals who will bring a combination of solid research skills and deep passion to the work of OK Policy. Bringing them on board will allow us to deepen and broaden the work we have begun in recent years of providing timely and credible information, analysis and ideas on state policy issues.”

Blatt continued, “We look forward to being able to produce more high-quality publications and resources, as well as ensure that our work is communicated to the broadest possible audience and has an impact on policy discussions and decisions.”

Gene Perry, a native Oklahoman, grew up in Oklahoma City and Edmond. He has an M.A. in journalism and B.A. in history, both from the University of Oklahoma. He has worked as a grant writer for the OU Department of Geriatric Medicine and a writing consultant with the OU Writing Center.

OK Policy said Greg Perry can be reached at this email address: gperry@okpolicy.org.

According to Blatt, “Kate graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of International Business Administration in 2003 and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2006. She is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Oklahoma. Her work experience includes serving as executive director of a trade association in Oklahoma City, teaching college, and coaching high school and college debate.”

Kate Richey can be reached at this email address:  krichey@okpolicy.org.