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Clark Goldenrod, deputy director

Clark spends most of her time researching Minnesota's economic trends, working on more inclusive state policies for New Americans, and translating the state budget process. She's been at the Minnesota Budget Project for almost as long as she can remember, but in a former life she worked with the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute.

She loves that this job allows her to apply her intense nerdiness and love of spreadsheets to make meaningful policy change. Clark earned a B.S. in public health from Tulane University in New Orleans, and a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

In her spare time, she's either working to make walking and biking easy and fun for everyone, or she's busy making food-shaped ceramic and fiber art. 

 

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Jessie Luévano, policy analyst

Jessie's policy work revolves largely around the topics of health care and child care. Within these topics, she works to influence and inform the policy debate through advocacy, partnerships, and creating data-driven analytical materials.  

Jessie has a BA in Political Science and Global studies from Hamline University. Some of her past professional experience includes working in research and social media for a St. Paul city council member, as well as within a nonprofit in immigration services, where she assisted individuals applying for U.S. citizenship.  

In her free time, she loves anything plant-related and is often taking care of her large houseplant collection. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, painting, and exploring everything the Twin Cities has to offer with her friends. 

She, Her, Hers 
651-757-3084
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Nan Madden, director

Nan has been the director of the Minnesota Budget Project since 1999. Her work combines deep and technical expertise of Minnesota tax policy with a drive to ensure everyday Minnesotans have a voice in the policy decisions being made at the Capitol.

The Minnesota Budget Project has contributed to significant policy achievements under her leadership, including the passage in 2013 of nation-leading tax reform that made Minnesota’s tax system more equitable and funded new investments in education, affordable college tuition, and other opportunities for low- and moderate-income Minnesotans to reach economic security. Madden is a recognized expert in tax policy, and has helped secure substantial improvements in Minnesota’s state Earned Income Tax Credit and Renters’ Credit.

Nan has a B.A. from Macalester College in St. Paul, and an M.A. from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

 

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651-757-3067
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Meghan Marriott, engagement manager

Meghan works to advance Minnesota Budget Project’s policy goals by combining strategic communications with civic and partner engagement. Working closely with her team, she deploys strategies in order to build a network of engaged Minnesotans who have the necessary tools to advocate for progressive change for themselves and their communities.

Before coming to the Minnesota Budget Project, she worked at Pillsbury United Communities where she collaborated with different teams working towards policy and systems change, utilized strategic communications methods to engage multiple stakeholders, and built cross-sector relationships to advance agency efforts. She received a B.A. in Comparative Cultures and Politics and Social Work from Michigan State University. Meghan is energized by building relationships and collaborating with others who seek a better, more equitable Minnesota.

Outside of work, Meghan is either outdoors (during all the non-winter seasons), trying not to kill her houseplants, learning more about her newfound hobby of woodworking, or daydreaming about the next travel opportunity.

 

She, Her, Hers 
651-757-3076
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Laura Mortenson, communications director

Laura manages media relations and communications that promote the research and advocacy efforts of the team. What Laura loves about her work is the intersection between communications and public policy. She’s energized by making policy solutions make sense to broader audiences, and then engaging Minnesotans in advocating for policies that directly improve their lives.

Her professional background includes serving as communications director for a St. Paul mayor and managing public and media relations for city organizations. Laura received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

When not communicating on policies that build broader prosperity, Laura enjoys the many outdoor activities Minnesota offers, like canoeing, hiking, and camping in our state parks.