Daniel Malarkey has joined the Department of Commerce as a Deputy Director based in Seattle. His primary responsibility will be leading engagement with the private sector around the state. He will also lead efforts to do analysis and interact with the Governor’s office and legislature around policy proposals that grow and improve jobs in our state. 

“We’ve talked about the importance of improving the connection between policy making in Olympia and the 180,000 employers and more than 480,000 registered businesses around the state that create most of the jobs in our economy. I am excited about having Daniel on board to help us with that vital connection,” said Rogers Weed in an internal memo to Commerce and state senior policy staff yesterday.

A graduate of the University of Oregon and Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Malarkey has recently worked as a clean energy consultant to private companies and public entities. He was the founder and CEO of Washington Biodiesel, served as Director of Finance for the Seattle Monorail Project, and was Managing Director of ECONorthwest, the region's largest economic consulting firm. He has extensive experience in public infrastructure planning and finance, environmental economics, and economic development policy.

“I am very excited to join the team at Commerce. We have a real opportunity in the Department to make a difference for people in this state. I expect my mix of public and private sector experience will provide useful context and background as I work with staff and stakeholders from around the state to develop and advocate policies to support a robust and sustainable economy for Washington,” said Malarkey.

Jan Marie Ferrell will continue to serve in her capacity as Commerce Deputy Director with a focus on internal operations. 

More information: Geri Nelson, 360.725.4021, [log in to unmask]