Staff & Board

Sam Hatzenbeler is the Legislative Director at the Economic Opportunity Institute, where she leads the organization’s legislative and advocacy agenda across health care, progressive revenue, paid leave, and economic justice issues. Since joining EOI as a graduate policy intern in 2014, Sam has helped advance landmark state policies and built coalitions that connect research, community voices, and legislative action. She co-founded the Fair Health Prices WA campaign, which successfully championed policies to improve health care affordability and accountability in Washington. Prior to EOI, Sam managed an abortion clinic in Seattle, organized with the Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project, and spent four years advocating for women and children affected by domestic violence. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington and serves as a Clinical Instructor in the UW School of Public Health.

Helen Ippolito is a policy researcher and data analyst who brings a deep belief in EOI’s values and the importance of evidence-based decision-making to her work. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance and focused her graduate studies on policy analysis and evaluation. Before working at EOI, Helen conducted policy research for the state legislature as an associate at the Washington State Institute for Public Policy with projects related to criminal justice, behavioral health, and econometric research methods. She also contributed to global disease burden modeling efforts at the UW’s Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation.

Aaron Keating joined EOI in 2007 as Communications Director. In 2015, he became Managing Director, overseeing the organization’s budget/finance, information technology, and human resources functions alongside a policy portfolio including retirement security, the state economy, and other policy research. Aaron holds a Master of Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, and a B.A. in Music from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. Before joining EOI, Aaron worked as Communications and Technology Manager for Port Jobs, Outreach Coordinator for the Center for Environmental Law and Policy, and Program Director at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

Annie Kucklick holds a Master’s of Social Work in Administration and Policy Practice from the University of Washington (UW) and has dedicated her career to advancing economic justice through research and advocacy. Before joining EOI in 2025, she served as Director of Research & Impact at the UW Center for Women’s Welfare, where she oversaw the calculation and analysis of the Self-Sufficiency Standard—partnering with policymakers, labor organizations, foundations, and advocates nationwide to fight for a better measure of poverty. Annie brings extensive experience in data-driven policy analysis affecting household economic security and is committed to catalyzing policies that strengthen equity and opportunity for Washingtonians. Outside of EOI, Annie is a professor for the Master’s of Social Work program at the UW.

Prior to EOI, Andrea worked in philanthropy, supporting communities in developing and implementing inclusive economic growth strategies in underinvested neighborhoods in California. Previously, she provided technical assistance and helped build capacity for community health worker coalitions across Washington state. She also served as a Program Fellow/Community Organizer for the American Friends Service Committee, addressing systemic barriers that impact communities of color in King County, focusing on the prison industrial complex and racial equity.

Alexis Mansanarez has a BA in Communications, with an emphasis in Journalism, and Political Science from the University of Washington. She has a decade of communication experience across journalism, the non-profit sector, and campaign management. Alexis’ professional and personal work center liberation for all. As a journalist, she covered the WNBA for The Athletic, now part of the New York Times, and the rise of athlete activism during the 2020 uprisings and beyond for various publications. As a campaign manager, Alexis worked to elect Teresa Mosqueda to King County Council as the first Latina to hold the position and on State Senator Rebecca Saldaña’s campaign both at the statewide and county level.

Jayanthi holds a BS in Political Science from Santa Clara University. Before joining EOI, she served as the Development and Communications Manager at WestSide Baby helping to provide diapers and other essential items to families throughout Western King County and supporting policy to address diaper need in Washington. Previously, Jayanthi worked at Catholic Community Services supporting youth tutoring programs in public housing communities and an addiction recovery program serving those experiencing homelessness. She also interned at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities promoting and advocating for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and free tax help.

Traci Underwood holds a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington where she focused on public policy and nonprofit administration, and has been working for economic justice for Washingtonians since 2001. She comes to EOI after over 20 years in the movement to end domestic violence, 15 of which were spent at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). There Traci coordinated their Economic Justice Project which aims to promote financial security and dignity for survivors by monitoring policy and practice pertaining to public benefits, labor, and housing; collaborating with anti-poverty groups; and supporting the economic stability of survivors through community partnerships and action.

Rian Watt is the Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Institute, where he leads EOI’s policy research, legislative strategy, and coalition partnerships. His career spans public policy research, housing, and civic leadership — including roles as Executive Director of The Urbanist, Strategy Lead at Community Solutions, and Senior Analyst at Abt Global. Rian earned his M.Sc. from the London School of Economics and his B.A. from Clark University. He sits on the boards of Futurewise and Field Impact Partners, and lives in Seattle with his family.

Michael is Vice President of the Seattle Education Association.

Joe Kendo is the Chief of Staff of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Shemona is an activist, leader, changemaker, and the Executive Director of 350 Seattle.

Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin is Policy and Partnerships Manager at Firelands Workers United / Trabajadores Unidos, and he served on the Port Angeles City Council from 2018 to 2025.

Matt Loschen is retired, and has served on EOI’s board since 2009.

Megan Anderson is a high school science teacher turned local political organizer.

April Berg is a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, representing District 44-Position 2.

Mary Curry is an early learning professional and advocate, and has served Washington families for over 40 years.

Elizabeth is a practicing attorney and owner of Lindquist Law, PLLC in Seattle, Washington.

Tammy is a strong advocate for building healthy communities in Washington and a former Seattle City Councilmember. She has served as a board member since 2021.

Dawn Trudeau spent 20 years in the software industry, is co-owner of the Seattle Storm, and is a member of many boards and community organizations in Seattle. Dawn has been a member of EOI’s board since 2006.

Brooke Densmore Williams is a donor organizer working at the intersection of gender, racial, and economic justice. She is passionate about building political infrastructure and serves on the Seattle Arts & Lectures and Women Donors Network boards in addition to EOI.