Joanna Biernacka-Lievestro is a manager with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She tracks and explains demographic, economic, and fiscal trends to help policymakers address challenges to their states’ long-term fiscal health. She leads updates for Pew’s Fiscal 50 online platform, including population change, fiscal balance, and long-term obligations. Previously, Biernacka-Lievestro conducted research at George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tischner European University; a master’s in European integration from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland; and a doctorate in public policy from George Mason University.

Katy Campillo is a senior associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She researches and analyzes state and local government efforts to achieve and maintain strong fiscal conditions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Temple University and master’s degrees in economics and public policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Alexandre Fall is a senior associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. He conducts research for the online resource Fiscal 50, which helps policymakers understand fiscal, economic, and demographic trends affecting their states by tracking tax revenue, reserves, employment rates, Medicaid spending, and other issues important to long-term fiscal health. Fall, who began his career at Pew in 2019, holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs and economics and a master’s in public policy from the University of Virginia.

Page Forrest works with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She writes and conducts research for the online resource Fiscal 50, which helps policymakers understand fiscal, economic, and demographic trends affecting their states by tracking tax revenue, reserves, employment rates, Medicaid spending, and other issues important to long-term fiscal health. Before joining Pew, Forrest was a budget analyst for the state of Tennessee. Forrest holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from Sewanee: The University of the South and a master’s in public policy and administration from the University of Tennessee.

Sheanna Gomes is an associate manager with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She researches and analyzes state fiscal policy and provides policymakers with informed analysis and guidance on best practices from across the country. Before joining Pew, Gomes provided budget and policy analysis for the commonwealth of Virginia. Previously, she provided research support at Old Dominion University. Gomes holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from Old Dominion University.

John Hamman is a researcher for Pew’s state fiscal health project. He helps to improve state economic and fiscal policy by providing policymakers with informed analysis and guidance on best practices from across the country. Before joining Pew, Hamman worked for the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor and for the speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Hamman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University and a master’s in public administration from American University.

Jen Janson is a senior associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. Her work includes analyzing state fiscal policies with a focus on budget stress tests and state tax revenue volatility. This research provides policymakers with informed analysis and guidance on best fiscal policy practices. Before joining Pew in 2020, Janson conducted state legislative research and issue monitoring as a senior associate at Stateside Associates and worked in the Ohio Statehouse and the Canadian Parliament. Janson holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political science from Ohio State University and a master’s in international, social, and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Riley Judd is an associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She conducts research and analysis for the online resource Fiscal 50, which helps policymakers understand fiscal, economic, and demographic trends affecting their states by tracking tax revenue, reserves, employment rates, Medicaid spending, and other issues important to long-term fiscal health. Previously, Judd worked for the Colorado General Assembly and interned for the National Conference of State Legislatures. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy from the University of Denver.

Airlie Loiaconi is an associate manager with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She and her team help states establish policies that can strengthen the finances of state and local governments and improve their long-term outlook. Since joining Pew in 2013, her work has included providing research and support to various Pew projects. Loiaconi holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Jim McCabe is an officer with Pew’s state fiscal health project. He provides engagement and partnership support and helps to ensure that the work of the state fiscal health project is coordinated and collaborative. Before joining Pew, McCabe was a business consultant and supported state legislative issue monitoring at Stateside Associates. Previously, he served as legislative director for a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. McCabe holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from Seton Hall University.

Chaaron Pearson is a senior manager with Pew’s economic development project. She works with policy leaders to identify ways to manage and assess economic development policies and practices, improve data collection and reporting, and develop national standards and best practices that states can adopt. Pearson also provides technical assistance to lawmakers and state analysts working on tax incentive evaluations. Before joining Pew, Pearson worked with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Alliance for Regional Stewardship. Pearson holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska and a master’s in public administration from George Mason University.

Mark Robyn is a senior officer with Pew’s state fiscal health project. His work focuses on economic methods and tools that can help states evaluate their tax incentive programs and improve their long-term fiscal outlook. Before coming to Pew in 2012, Robyn worked at the Tax Foundation, researching federal, state, and local tax policy issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Geneva College and a master’s in economics from George Mason University.

Justin Theal is an officer with Pew’s state fiscal health project. He manages research on key fiscal trends—including revenue, spending, and reserves—featured in Pew’s Fiscal 50 online resource. Theal, who has been with Pew since 2013, previously led efforts to illuminate how federal spending and tax policy choices affect states. Before joining Pew, Theal conducted research at Taxpayers for Common Sense. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Arcadia University and a master’s in public management and finance from the University of Maryland.

Logan Timmerhoff is a principal associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. He researches and analyzes state and local efforts to target economic development programs and develop sound budgetary policies. Previously, Timmerhoff was an assistant tax analyst at the Congressional Budget Office. Timmerhoff holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Montana and a master’s in business administration from Georgetown University.

Gayathri Venu is an associate with Pew’s state fiscal health project. She researches and analyzes state fiscal policy and provides policymakers with informed analysis and guidance on best practices from across the country. Before joining Pew, Venu completed her master’s thesis on fiscal consolidation and income inequality. Previously, she worked as a research analyst for Ipsos. Venu holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University and a dual master’s from the University of Nottingham in economics and econometrics and the University of Tübingen in international economics.

Alison Wakefield leads Pew’s work on economic development. Her team helps states establish processes to evaluate tax incentives, provides technical assistance to state evaluators tasked with assessing these programs, and works with policymakers to improve incentive performance. Before joining Pew, Wakefield worked with local and state governments on various aspects of workforce and economic development policy and management. She holds bachelor’s degrees in American studies and French and a master’s in community planning from the University of Maryland.