Michael Austin is the Director of the Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government at the Kansas Policy Institute. In this role he is responsible for educating public organizations and the public on taxes and budget, using economic research to turn government inefficiencies into effective policy solutions. Before joining the Sandlian Center, Michael served as an economist in various roles of Kansas state government. As an adviser to former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Michael’s work made him the first to discover the drop in commodity and energy prices that plagued Kansas and the region, later termed “The Rural Recession.” Most recently as Chief Economist in the Kansas Department of Revenue, his research and presentation on the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and its effects on Kansans jumpstarted discussions ensuring it will be a key concern in the upcoming Kansas legislative session.
Michael is a New York City transplant, living with his wife and two children in the Lawrence Area. Michael is a Washburn University School of Business Scholar earning his Bachelor of Business Administration and double majored in management and economics. Michael also graduated from the University of Kansas’s Department of Economics with a Master of Arts with honors. E-mail Michael here.
James Franko is the President of Kansas Policy Institute, assuming this role after serving in multiple roles with KPI since starting in 2010. In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization helping each Kansan pursue life, liberty, and happiness. The team has achieved multiple legislative accomplishments during James’ time at KPI including the passage and expansion of Kansas’ only private school choice program. Experience across the free-market movement and time on Capitol Hill help James understand that the challenges facing society are best solved when individuals and local communities are left to find solutions without undue interference from Topeka or Washington, DC. James has published opinion pieces in both national and Kansas-based media outlets, has appeared on radio and TV programs, and regularly speaks to groups around The Sunflower State. A native of Stilwell, James is graduate of Kansas State University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and minored in economics. 
Ellen Hathaway is the Communications Director at Kansas Policy Institute. In this role she is responsible for crafting and delivering the overall messaging to the public, communicating the truth about policy issues affecting Kansans in their every-day. Prior to joining the KPI team, Ellen held various positions in the liberty movement. She recently led the marketing strategies for iVoterGuide where she was responsible for building innovative media platforms and digital assets designed to impact elections by increasing the informed vote in key state primary elections. Ellen oversaw the Political Management Team for a nationally renowned public relations firm in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Ellen also worked for The Leadership Institute, in Arlington, VA where she taught a wide array of political workshops. Ellen served as a consultant for many political campaigns ranging from small-town judicial races to holding campaign positions in presidential campaigns.
Dave Trabert is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Policy Institute. He is a frequent speaker to business, legislative and civic groups and also does research and writes on fiscal policy and education issues. He is the lead author of the tax policy book 
Beth Wasko is the Development & Operations Coordinator at Kansas Policy Institute. She is responsible for daily operations in the Overland Park office. She also assists in the maintenance of KPI’s website and publishes KPI’s newsletters and other electronic communications. Born and raised in Overland Park, Beth graduated from K-State with a degree in marketing. Prior to joining KPI, she worked at American Century Investments for 15 years and as a freelance proofreader and editor. Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, and is active in her church community and her children’s school.