Edward Ashworth, Director of the Louisiana Budget Project since 2009, has announced his planned retirement in November and the appointment of his successor, Times-Picayune Capitol Bureau reporter, Jan Moller.

"The timing is perfect,” said Ashworth of the pending LBP leadership transition. "The Louisiana Budget Project has earned its place among the advocates for our state’s least-advantaged citizens. I’m proud of our vigorous work to encourage fair tax 

Begun in 2006 by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, with guidance from the DC-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, LBP is one of more than 40 State Fiscal Analysis Initiatives that together provide research and analysis of budget issues and how they affect low- and moderate-income residents.

"Eddie’s contribution over the past two years has been transformative,” said Ann Silverberg Williamson, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations. "As a direct result of his leadership, LBP has become a ‘go-to’ source for independent and intelligent analysis of state fiscal issues. His work has consistently pointed our elected leaders toward economic policies that promote prosperity for all Louisianans.”

Jan Moller, who will replace Ashworth as Director in November, is an award-winning journalist with the New Orleans Times-Picayune Capitol Bureau, where he covered the state budget, health-care, higher education and races for Louisiana Governor and U.S. Senate seats.

Moller’s resume includes influential reporting and editorial posts across the country, including co-authoring with Jack Anderson the syndicated "Washington Merry-Go-Round” column that appeared in more than 300 newspapers nationwide, and Assistant Washington Bureau Chief for Parade Magazine, a weekly publication with a circulation of 20 million. As an investigative reporter, Moller’s work led to reforms in Louisiana’s nursing home regulation and to ethics violations for city officials in Nevada.

"We are fortunate to engage someone of Jan’s caliber and considerable talents,” said Ashworth. "His in-depth knowledge of state budget issues and the often opaque process of government will prove immediately beneficial. Jan has the ideal experience, professional expertise and vision to lead the Louisiana Budget Project.”

Prior to heading the Louisiana Budget Project, Ashworth was Undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services, President and CEO of the Louisiana Technology Park, and Executive Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The Baton Rouge-based Louisiana Budget Project provides independent research and analysis of Louisiana fiscal issues and their impact on low- and moderate-income residents. For more information on LBP, visit www.labudget.org.