NW Political Veteran Named to Lead WCV

The Board of Washington Conservation Voters (WCV) announced today that it has chosen political veteran Kurt Fritts to serve as Executive Director of the organization, the bipartisan, political arm of the conservation and sustainability movement in Washington State.

As Political Director of WCV, Fritts helped conservationists score an unprecedented string of victories in 2006, including two statewide initiatives and numerous legislative races across the state.

“The majority of voters in this state care deeply about conservation and sustainability and they look to WCV to help make measurable progress from one election to the next,” said Kathe Fowler, Chair of the WCV Board. “Kurt’s savvy has been critical in delivering what voters want. He’s an excellent strategist, but equally important, Kurt knows how to build consensus and find new ways to win.”

Fritts joined Washington Conservation Voters in October 2005 as Political Director. Prior to WCV, Kurt served on Governor Christine Gregoire’s senior staff as the Director of External Affairs, and before that, worked for Senate Democrats in Olympia. He served first as a policy analyst for the caucus, then as the Executive Director of the campaign committee.

“Coming into 2008, our opportunities to make a difference are particularly exciting”, said Fritts. “We have a clear message from voters that the environment matters deeply to them and their quality of life, and we are living in a state that is willing to pioneer breakthroughs, from clean cars to e-waste to biofuels.”

“This is where the nation has been looking for answers to some of our toughest challenges. And Washington Conservation Voters can help deliver those answers,” said Fritts.
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