Washingtonians for Public Banking

Washingtonians for Public Banking

Our Vision

To democratize our financial and monetary institutions, restore transparency and build a more equitable, sustainable and resilient state economy through the establishment of public banking in Washington State.

Our Mission

WPB organizes, educates, and advocates for the establishment of public banking in Washington State. We prioritize economic equity, sustainability and an affordable green economy for Washingtonians over the profits of private financial institutions.

President:

Naishin Fu

Naishin Fu is a former public health and health technology professional who left the private sector in 2021 to focus on policy and advocacy. In addition to public banking, she is involved with advocacy and organizing on various housing, land use, and progressive revenue efforts.

Vice President:

Ruth Fruland

Dr. Ruth Fruland She received her PhD in education (University of Washington, 2006). She became an advocate for public banking in Washington State after a career as a NASA geologist (1970-1984, Johnson Space Center) and environmental geologist for Battelle Northwest at the Hanford Site in Eastern Washington (1985-1997). Previously, she taught at Seattle area colleges, including Bellevue College until 2013.

Secretary:

Tiffani McCoy

Treasurer:

Martin Talarico

Martin Talarico graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and Finance. He has worked with several investment firms for over 25 years in the Seattle investment community and volunteered with local nonpartisan grassroot organizations, including the Public Banking Institute, Seattle Indivisible, and a Pacific NW Advisor for the Coalition for the National Infrastructure Bank. 

John Burbank

John Burbank received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington. He is currently a clinical instructor at University of Washington School of Public Health,a former political director of the Washington State Labor Council, and former executive director and founder of Economic Opportunity Institute, an organization responsible for groundbreaking progressive legislation throughout Washington state.  

Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas is currently senior staff to the Washington State Supreme Court's Minority and Justice Commission. Frank has a B.A. in finance and marketing from the University of Washington, and a JD from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. Frank became passionate about public banking while studying banking regulations during law school under CA State Senator David Min.

Ben Steele holds an MPA specialized in public financial management from the University of Washington. He has years of experience in community healthcare, centering on HIV services. Ben's work is focused on ensuring dignified and guaranteed public services.

Executive Director:

Marco Rosaire Rossi

Marco Rosaire Rossi is an organizer for Washingtonians for Public Banking. He received a PhD in political science from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Throughout his years of public service, he has served on the board of several nonprofits and been active in the labor movement.