EWU hires David Buri as governmental relations director

State Representative David Buri, who has served as the minority floor leader while representing Washington's 9th Legislative District over the last three years, will resign his post Nov. 1 to become governmental relations director for Eastern Washington University.

In his new role, Buri will primarily work in Olympia and will advance the interests and goals of the university before state and federal lawmakers. He takes over for Jeff Gombosky, who now works as a lobbyist on a contract basis for Eastern.

While serving the people of southeastern Washington, Buri was a member of the Legislature's Higher Education Committee and credits his ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle as a big reason why he'll be able to effectively represent EWU.

“While it was a difficult decision to leave the Legislature, I am very excited to be joining Eastern Washington University,” Buri said.

“As a lawmaker, I have been very interested in working on higher education issues and now I will have an opportunity to continue to focus on those important education initiatives that will make a difference in people's lives.”

“David Buri's experience in the legislature and his commitment to higher education make him a perfect fit to represent Eastern,” EWU President Rodolfo Arévalo said.

“I am confident that David will be an effective member of our legislative team, which includes Jeff Gombosky and myself.”

A native of Whitman County, Buri was first elected to the 9th District in 2004 after serving as former Sen. Larry Sheehan's legislative assistant for four years. Buri was reelected to his second term in 2006. He previously served as vice president of the Bank of Whitman in Colfax.

Washington state law requires Buri's replacement be made by the Republican precinct committee officers within his district, which includes all of Adams, Asotin, Garfield and Whitman counties as well as southern Spokane County – including Cheney – and northern Franklin County.

The law requires three nominees be submitted, with the replacement coming from among this group.

Buri is scheduled to make a $96,000 a year salary in his new role with Eastern.