TALLAHASSEE — Florida economist Jerry D. Parrish, who for decades has been known as one of the state’s leading analysts, has been named chief economist and director of state and local policy analysis at the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University.

Parrish, who earned a doctorate in economics from Auburn University, previously served as chief economist and director of research at the Florida Chamber Foundation. In his new role, Parrish will be responsible for policy analysis and with providing independent economic and fiscal analysis to Florida state agencies and local governments, non-profits and other community-based organizations that face complex issues, the university said.

“I have had the privilege of observing and working with Jerry over many years, and his credibility with state and local government officials, as well as the private sector, is excellent,” said Jeff Hendry, director of the IOG. “I am honored and excited that he is part of our team at the IOG and look forward to integrating his expertise into many of our current initiatives and exploring a range of new strategic projects that can benefit our great state and the many communities that comprise Florida.”

Parrish also served as chief economist and director of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida and as associate director of the Center for Forecasting and Analysis at Florida State University. In addition, he has worked for the past nine years as an adjunct faculty member in FSU’s Master’s in Applied Economics program.

“I have worked for many years to be a trusted source of non-partisan information for state and local government officials, businesses, non-profits and other entities in Florida,” Parris said. “I am honored to be able to continue that in my new position at the Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University.”