Tom Potiowsky Named Oregon State Economist

The state economist directs state government's forecasting for tax revenues and budget planning.

Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - Tom Potiowsky will become Oregon's state economist, effective on January 1st 2008, the state Department of Administrative Services announced today.

Tom Potiowsky

"Tom brings superb skills to this critical position in state government, as well as great professional integrity and discipline," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "The state economist helps determine the revenue outlook for the state, so we must enlist the help of an impartial analyst we can all trust. Tom has earned that trust." Potiowsky served as state economist for six years until 2006, when he returned to Portland State University to teach economics and pursue the establishment of an economic and business research center. He also accepted a position of senior economist with ECONorthwest, an economics consulting firm in Portland. Lindsay Ball, director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, said Potiowsky brings a high level of professionalism to the office of state economist. "As the director of Oregon's Office of Economic Analysis, the state economist manages the data-gathering and analysis of economic trends that state government uses to set policy and make decisions," Ball said. "Dr. Potiowsky's proven professionalism and impartiality will ensure that we have reliable information to work with." The state economist directs state government's forecasting for tax revenues and budget planning. If revenues exceed the state economist's forecast by two percent or more, the income tax "kicker" takes effect, returning the entire amount in excess of the forecast to individual taxpayers and corporations. "I'm very excited for this opportunity to work again with the excellent staff at the Office of Economic Analysis," Potiowsky said. "I'm also eager to assist the state with budgeting and planning based on the outlook for the economy and tax revenues. At the same time, I feel some reluctance to leave the growing greatness that is building at Portland State University." Potiowsky plans to keep his affiliation with the university through class presentations, speeches, and research associations, but he will officially leave his position with ECONorthwest.

Potiowsky holds a doctorate and a master's degree in economics from the University of Colorado. He also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Ohio. As a member of the Metro Council of Economic Advisors, Potiowsky helped the Metro regional government evaluate its revenue forecast methodology, and provided advice on how to use forecasts to formulate policy. He has served as a member of the Oregon Progress Board since 2006. He has also served on the board of directors of the Oregon Council on Economic Education and the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors.
Source: Oregon DHS