As Georgia Budget and Policy Institute's first executive director, Alan brings a wealth of experience and understanding of state government to his role in carrying out GBPI's mission. In addition to leading a dedicated and talented staff and board, he analyzes overall state budget proposals and revenue policy issues. Alan is a respected tax and budget expert throughout Georgia and is a trusted resource for policymakers, members of the media, and civic groups. Alan's recent professional experience includes serving as a senior research associate with the Fiscal Research Center of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, as well as deputy policy director for the Georgia Governor's Office. Alan's experience also includes serving as a committee aide for the Georgia State Senate and Georgia House of Representatives Appropriations Committees, assistant commissioner for the Georgia Department of Human Resources, director of the Georgia State Senate Research Office, deputy director of the Budgetary Responsibility Oversight Committee, and as a legislative budget analyst for the New York State Senate Finance Committee. Alan has a BA in history from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master's in public administration from the State University of New York at Albany. Alan frequently presents economic analyses of budget and tax proposals to the Georgia state legislature and testifies before its committees. He also regularly addresses state-wide civic groups where he presents tax reform solutions and policies, and serves on national steering committees. Georgia Trend magazine named Alan a Notable Georgian in 2008 and 2009.