Michigan’s Chief Economist to Retire After 36 Years Of State Service

LANSING – Michigan’s Chief Economist Jay Wortley is retiring effective Feb. 28, after 36 years of state government service. He will be replaced by Eric Bussis who also will serve as director of the Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis.

Wortley serves as the director of the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis, where he is responsible for advising the administration and Michigan Legislature on economic, tax and revenue issues and projecting state economic and revenue forecasts. During his tenure as a state employee, he has participated in all 53 of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conferences that have been held since the first one in 1992.

“I have worked with Jay for many years and know firsthand his dedication, experience and knowledge of the Michigan economy and tax system,” said Michigan Treasurer Nick Khouri. “His ability to work through complex problems and build relationships throughout state government provided results when developing state budgets.”

Wortley began his career as an economist for the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, which he held for 12 years. After a brief period working for the National Association of State Budget Officers and PriceWaterhouse in Washington D.C., he returned to Michigan as the senior economist for the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, a position he held for more than 18 years.

Wortley joined the state Treasury Department in 2009. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Michigan State University.

His replacement will be Bussis.

“Eric’s education and experience make him ideal for this position,” Khouri said. “With his leadership, management and technology skills and ability to build partnerships, he will comfortably fulfill the duties required for the position.”

Bussis currently serves as the State Budget Office’s Project SIGMA Team Lead, which is responsible for implementing a new budgeting software system for state government. He previously held different lead budgeting and financial positions within state of Indiana government, conducting economic forecasting, fiscal analysis and budgeting. Before joining the State Budget Office in 2015, Bussis served as assistant director of the Indiana State Budget Agency.

Bussis has bachelor’s degrees in economics and social work from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in economics from Indiana University-Indianapolis.