EPI announced today that Naomi Walker will join its staff as Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN), a nationwide network of research, policy, and public engagement organizations working, state by state, to build an economy that works for everyone.

“Progressive policy change is increasingly happening at the state level, and it’s crucial that we build on that momentum in the years to come,” said Walker. “I’m looking forward to working with this incredible network of organizations to foster collaboration, share ideas, and build power in the states, as well as working to expand EARN’s focus into important policy areas, like racial justice.”

Walker comes to EPI from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), where she was responsible for coordinating AFSCME’s partnerships with allies and coalitions on behalf of working families. Prior to joining AFSCME, she served as the Director of State Government Relations and the Deputy Director of the Government Affairs Department for the AFL-CIO, where she worked with national unions, state federations, state legislators, and allies to coordinate state legislative campaigns around the country, providing guidance on strategy, message, member mobilization, and research. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy Studies from Duke University.

“We are delighted to have Naomi leading the EARN team at EPI,” said EPI President Thea Lee. “She has a wealth of experience in state policy and building coalitions, which will serve EARN well in the years to come.”

Founded in 1998, EARN is a network of close to 60 state and local organizations in 43 states and the District of Columbia that share expertise and resources to strengthen each other and pursue their common mission. Together with collaborating scholars, national partners, and allied state and local groups representing affected communities, EARN constitutes the core progressive research and policy infrastructure for shaping and promoting a better economic future in the states.