David Schumacher
Most recently, he was named in October to be the executive director of the Council of Presidents that represents the heads of the state's six universities.
But instead he will work as a key adviser to Gov.-elect Jay Inslee as the director of OFM, the governor's budget office, Inslee announced today, one of his most significant appointments to date. Schumacher replaces Stan Marshburn and before him, Marty Brown.
He arrives at a time when budgeteers need to figure out how to patch a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, while trying to find perhaps another billion or more to address a state Supreme Court ruling that funding for schools has been inadequate. Outgoing Gov. Chris Gregoire put out her plan last month.
Here's the news release:
Inslee Names New Director of the Office of Financial Management Seattle - Speaking at a meeting of his Transition Committee this morning, Governor-Elect Jay Inslee named David Schumacher as Director of Washington's Office of Financial management. Schumacher will serve as the Governor's chief advisor on budget and fiscal issues. "David is a creative thinker, and his experience and expertise in state fiscal matters is unparalleled," said Governor-Elect Inslee. "As we work to spur economic growth and create jobs in Washington, having someone with David's qualifications lead OFM is essential. David has worked in both the public and private sector, and he has a proven track record of working with lawmakers from both parties. There is no better person to lead OFM at this critical time for our state." Schumacher joins the Inslee administration after spending the last two years as non-partisan Staff Director for the Senate Ways and Means Committee. He held the same position from 2003 to 2008 before spending two years as Northwest Government Affairs Director for Boeing. "Governor-elect Inslee understands the budget challenges that face state this year, and I look forward to helping him address those challenges," Schumacher said. "The Governor-Elect has given me clear direction to look for real, long-term solutions as we balance the budget and make state government more efficient." Schumacher holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in economics from the University of Washington. He has worked as an Economic Analyst at the Department of Revenue, Policy Analyst at OFM, and was a Ways and Means Committee staffer for eight years before being named Staff Director. Schumacher's appointment is effective January 16th, 2013.
