Mission

Promote better public policy in New England by conducting and disseminating objective, high-quality research and analysis of strategically identified regional economic and policy issues. When appropriate, work with regional and Bank partners to advance identified policy options.

Strategic Objectives

• Produce objective, high-quality research of an original or descriptive nature that addresses regional policy issues of importance to the Center's key audience, consistent with the Bank’s mission as it applies to the region.
  
• Effectively engage and inform external constituents.
  
• Use Bank and Center resources strategically.
• Advise the Bank President.
  

Director

Yolanda Kodrzycki
Yolanda is Vice President and Director of the New England Public Policy Center. In this role, she is responsible for establishing the Center’s research and outreach agenda, serving as its public spokesperson, and providing strategic and administrative direction to staff. Prior to assuming this position, Yolanda was a senior economist and policy advisor in the Boston Fed's Research Department. She specializes in regional, labor market, and public sector economics. Her research has examined diverse topics, including economic development strategies for older industrial cities, the long-term implications of job loss, the migration patterns of college graduates, causes of regional differences in educational attainment, privatization of government functions, and corporate tax policy at the national and state levels. She is a senior contributor to "Toward a More Prosperous Springfield," a multi-year commitment by the Boston Fed to support the economic revitalization of Springfield, Massachusetts. Yolanda serves as an advisor to numerous organizations with an interest in the New England and national economies. During 1991-92, she took a leave of absence from the Federal Reserve to consult for the U.S. Treasury advisory program in Central and Eastern Europe. Prior to joining the Boston Fed in 1986, she taught economics at Amherst College. A graduate of Radcliffe College (Harvard University), Yolanda received her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her favorite place in New England is her farm in Sandwich, New Hampshire. Email Yolanda

Yolanda's full cv

Deputy Director

Darcy Rollins Saas
Darcy started with the New England Public Policy Center as a Policy Analyst in 2005. She was promoted to Deputy Director in 2007; in this position, she is responsible for working with the Director of the Center and its staff to develop and to implement its strategy and mission, including development of a research agenda and outreach strategy. Darcy has written on subjects ranging from regional housing policy to the costs and benefits of film tax credits in New England. She previously worked at the Maine Development Foundation, where she was an analyst for the state's annual economic indicators report and managed a community economic development program. Darcy holds a masters in public policy from Tufts University and a BA in political science from Colgate University. Darcy's favorite place in New England is Portland, Maine. Email Darcy.

Economists

Alicia Sasser Modestino
As a Senior Economist, Alicia leads research projects on regional economic and policy issues for the Center. She specializes in the fields of labor, public finance, and health economics. Her current research focuses on the labor market, migration, housing, and health care reform. Her work has appeared in journals such as Regional Science and Urban Economics, Journal of Human Resources, and Health Affairs and has been presented at the annual meetings of the American Economic Association. She holds a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Boston University as well as master's and Ph.D. degrees in economics from Harvard University where she also served as a doctoral fellow in the Inequality and Social Policy Program at the Kennedy School of Government. Prior to joining the Center, Alicia worked as an economist in the private sector and taught economics at Mount Holyoke College.  Her favorite place in New England is sailing around the islands in Boston harbor. Email Alicia.

Alicia's full cv

Bo Zhao
As a Senior Economist, Bo leads research projects on regional economic and policy issues for the Center. He specializes in urban, regional, and public economics, with research interests in state and local public finance, housing markets, and fair housing and lending. His work has been published in several academic journals such as the Journal of Urban Economics, National Tax Journal, and Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. He also made presentations at various academic meetings, including annual conferences of the National Tax Association and the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. Bo was selected by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as one of 20 young scholars nationwide to participate in the 2005 Entrepreneurship Research Boot Camp. He served on the Municipal Aid Subcommittee of the Municipal Finance Task Force between 2006 and 2007.  Bo earned a Ph.D. in economics and a master's degree in applied statistics from Syracuse University. His favorite place in New England is the Charles River between River Street and JFK Street in Cambridge. Email Bo.

Bo's full cv

Policy Analysts

Robert Clifford
As a Policy Analyst, Robert conducts analysis of regional economic and policy issues for the Center. His research interests include public finance, labor economics, and income inequality. Prior to becoming a policy analyst, Robert was a Research Associate with the Center. Originally from New Hampshire, Robert holds a Masters in economics from the University of New Hampshire and a BA in economics from Keene State College. Robert's favorite place in New England is the Lake of the Clouds Hut near the peak of Mount Washington. Email Robert.

Jennifer Weiner
As a Senior Policy Analyst, Jennifer prepares analyses of regional economic and policy issues for internal and external communications. Her research interests include health policy, public finance, and labor economics. Prior to joining the Center, Jennifer performed health economics and outcomes research for a Boston-based consulting firm and conducted policy analyses for the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy. Originally from New Hampshire, she holds a masters in public affairs from Princeton University and a BA in economics from Bates College. Jennifer's favorite place in New England is the top of West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness, New Hampshire. Email Jennifer.

Research Assistants

Angela Cools
As a Research Assistant, Angela conducts data analysis and research on economic and policy issues for the Center. Her research interests include public policy, economic demography, and economics of religion. Originally from Michigan, Angela received her BA from Pomona College in Economics. Angela's favorite place in New England is the Boston Harbor. Email Angela.

Julia Dennett
As a Research Associate, Julia conducts data analysis and research on economic and policy issues for the Center. Her research interests include public finance, labor economics, and political economy. Originally from Colorado, Julia received her BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Economics. Prior to joining the Center, Julia worked as an assistant economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Julia’s favorite place in New England is Nauset Light Beach on Cape Cod. Email Julia.

Jingyi Huang
As a Research Assistant, Jingyi conducts data analysis and research on economic and policy issues for the Center. Her research interests include public finance, education policy and political economy. Originally from Chengdu, China, Jingyi received her BA from Mount Holyoke College in Mathematics/Economics and History. Jingyi's favorite place in New England is the Pioneer Valley. Email Jingyi.

Administrative Assistant

Nina Johnson
As the Center's Administrative Assistant, Nina supports the operations of the Center and its staff. Nina has extensive experience in the coordination, planning and support of daily operational and administrative functions. Prior to joining the Center, Nina worked in the health care industry and for the Massachusetts Senate and the Town of Saugus. Her favorite place in New England is Provincetown in the winter. Email Nina.

The Center periodically invites researchers to serve as visiting scholars. Visiting scholars work on research about a public policy issue of relevance to New England and that complements the work of the Center.

2013-2014 Visiting Scholar Program

The Center is currently seeking applications for its 2013-2014 Visiting Scholar program. While submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, priority will be given to applications received by September 28, 2012.

For more information about application requirements and the program, click here.

The New England Public Policy Center’s Advisory Board advises Center staff on how to disseminate its research strategically to policy makers and thought leaders in the New England region.

• Michael Allen, Associate Commissioner for Tax Policy, Maine Revenue Services. Michael oversees the bureau’s tax models, and their application to forecasting tax receipts and estimating the impact of proposed legislation on state revenue. Prior to becoming director, Michael was a staff economist with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Analysis. Michael has written papers on estimating Maine’s state and local tax burden, forecasting capital gains taxes, taxpayer compliance, and property tax relief programs. Michael has taught economics at Bentley College, Boston College and Thomas College. Michael has a Bachelors in economics from the University of Vermont and Ph.D. in economics from Boston College.
• Christopher Bergstrom, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The Department of Economic and Community Development develops and implements strategies to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, ensure quality housing and foster appropriate development in Connecticut's towns and cities. Prior to assuming the Deputy Commissioner position in that department, Kip was the Executive Director of the City of Stamford Connecticut‘s Urban Redevelopment Commission. He holds Master’s degrees in city and regional planning from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and Graduate School of Design.
• Alan Calandro, Director, Office of Fiscal Analysis, Connecticut General Assembly. Alan leads the Connecticut legislature's nonpartisan budget office, the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA). OFA analyzes and helps develop the state's budget and revenue packages and conducts fiscal analysis of legislation and legislative proposals. Alan has previous experience as a business manager and also serves on the executive board of the National Association of Legislative Fiscal Officers. Alan holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut and a master's degree in government from the College of William and Mary.
• Russell Dannecker, Fiscal Policy Analyst, Rhode Island Poverty Institute Russell is a fiscal policy analyst at the Rhode Island Poverty Institute, which analyzes tax and budget policies on behalf of low-income populations. Prior to joining the Poverty Institute, Russell was a member of the Rhode Island Senate Fiscal Advisory Staff, which provides information on tax policy, expenditure issues, debt approvals, and capital projects to the members of the Senate. Russell served as one of the principals on both the Revenue Estimating and Medical Caseload Estimating Conferences and during his 28 years of public service, and worked on 30 different fiscal year budgets stretching from FY1979 to FY2009. He also served for 14 years on a Statwide Planning Council .
• John Dorrer, Director of Labor Market and Workforce Research, Building Economic Opportunity Group, Jobs for the Future.  John leads Jobs for the Future’s emerging work in the development and application of labor market information and workforce research, including helping states use longitudinal data to align their education and training investments with the needs of dynamic regional economies. Previously, John served as Acting Commissioner and Director of the Center for Workforce Research and Information at the Maine Department of Labor.  He also served as Deputy Director of workforce programs at the National Center on Education and the Economy and has consulted to the U.S. Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration on labor market information systems development, capacity building, and workforce strategies.  He was formerly Senior Vice President of Training & Development Corporation, a Maine-based nonprofit focused on workforce and regional development. John holds a Master’s in resource economics and a Bachelor’s in economics, both from the University of New Hampshire.
• Benjamin Forman, Research Director, MassINC. MassInc. is a nonpartisan public policy think tank. Ben coordinates the development of the organization’s research agenda and oversees production of research reports. He has authored a number of publications across a range of public policy topics central to growth and development in the Commonwealth. Previously, Ben served as a researcher at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Ben also has both public and private sector experience. He oversaw strategic planning for the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation, and worked as a consultant at Nathan Associates, a global economic development consulting firm. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College and a Master’s degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Michael Goodman, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Policy, UMass Dartmouth’s School of Education, Public Policy and Civic Engagement (SEPPCE) Michael is Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Public Policy, School of Education, Public Policy and Civic Engagement, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The School of Education, Public Policy and Civic Engagement serves to mobilize and re-organize university faculty and staff to confront the economic and social challenges facing the citizens and communities of our region and the Commonwealth. Prior to Michael’s current role within the University of Massachusetts system, Michael was Director of Economic & Public Policy Research at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute for eight years. Michael received his M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston University.
• Curt Grimm, Deputy Director, Carsey Institute, University of New Hampshire The Carsey Institute conducts policy research on vulnerable children, youth, and families and on sustainable community development. As Deputy Director, Curt helps manage the Carsey Institute and its organizational development. He also provides research guidance and oversight for several sustainable development activities. Curt earned his B.A. in Anthropology and History from the University of New Hampshire and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
• Jason Guilietti, Director, University of Connecticut Alumni Relations. Jason is responsible for alumni relations for the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and the UConn Health Center.  Prior to joining the University of Connecticut, Jason was a research economist for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). Jason is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the New England Economic Partnership and President of the Hartford Area Business Economists, a chapter of National Association of Business Economics. He holds an MPA from University of Connecticut and Bachelors in political science from the University of Connecticut.
• Kil Huh, Research Director, Pew’s Center on the States. In this role, Kil oversees the state and local fiscal research agenda in the Pew Center on the States’ Research and Information unit, and he is leading the Center’s new project on states’ fiscal health. He oversees project teams of researchers, policy analysts, journalists and consultants to conceptualize, design and implement research and analysis across 50 states that inform state policy-focused efforts on a wide range of issues including. Kil has conducted research on state tax systems, public sector retirement benefits, economic development and housing finance. He holds a bachelor of science degree in urban regional studies from Cornell University, a master’s degree in urban planning from New York University and both a master’s degree in philosophy and a doctorate degree of philosophy in urban planning from Columbia University.
• Thomas Kavet, Co-founder and President, Kavet, Rockler and Associates, LLC Tom is President of Kavet, Rockler and Associates, economic consultants offering professional services in the areas of: economics, public policy analysis, demographics, regional economic modeling, information systems and business economics. Since 1996 the firm’s principals have served as Consulting Economists to the Vermont State Legislature. Tom specializes in regional economics, public policy analysis, economic forecasting, marketing, information systems and strategic planning, primarily serving clients engaged in real estate, construction, building products manufacturing, state and federal government, and environmental information. Tom holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University, Columbia College.
• Daphne Kenyon, Principal, D.A. Kenyon & Associates Daphne is the principal of D.A. Kenyon & Associates, a public finance consulting firm specializing in analysis of healthcare, education and tax policy issues. Daphne earned her B.A. in Economics from Michigan State University and both her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan.
• Stephen Klein, Chief Fiscal Officer, Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office The Legislative Joint Fiscal Office provides non-partisan information and research services to all members of the Vermont General Assembly on revenue and budget and fiscal policy issues. In his capacity, Stephen supervises staff, works with legislative leadership in fiscal policy development and coordinates the fiscal research activities in off session periods. Stephen received his A.B. from the University of California, Berkeley, a M. A. in Urban Studies & Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.
• Steven Poftak, Executive Director, Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Steven is the Executive Director of the The Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, which strives to improve the governance of Greater Boston by strengthening connections between the region’s scholars, students, and civic leaders.
• Kelly Mahoney, Policy Director, Office of Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chaffee.The Department provides all general services for the State of Rhode Island including: Central Management, Legal Services, Accounts and Control, Budgeting, Purchasing, Auditing, Human Resources, Personnel Appeal Board, Facilities Management, Capital Projects and Property Management, Information Technology, Library and Information Services, Planning, General Appropriations, Debt Service Payments, and Energy Resources.  Kelly is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve and coordinate functions within the Department, formulating policies that affect all departments of state government and advocating on behalf of the Department to the General Assembly.  She is also a member of Governor Chafee’s core team for implementing Performance Management and Budgeting within the Executive Branch.  Prior to joining the Department Kelly was the Deputy Director of Policy for the Rhode Island Senate.  Kelly earned her Bachelors in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island and Masters in leadership from Northeastern University. 
• Susan Mesner, Senior Economist, Vermont Department of Taxes  Susan oversees the department’s research and analytical work estimating fiscal impacts of tax-related proposals and federal tax changes; producing statistical and expenditure reports; and developing modeling capacity for tax reform initiatives. Susan testifies frequently to legislative committees and works closely with the Joint Fiscal Office and the departments of Finance & Management; Economic, Housing & Community Development; Education; and Public Service. Susan has served as former chair of the FTA Revenue Estimation & Tax Research section and is a delegate to the Streamlined Governing Board. She received her B.A. in Economics from the University of Vermont and M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
• Steve Norton, Director, New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies The New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies is an independent, nonpartisan organization that pursues data-based research on public policy matters, develops options, informs policy makers and advises them about choices for action. Steve holds a Masters of Public Policy, Health Economics from Georgetown University and a Bachelors degree from Wesleyan University.
• Marion Orr, Director, A. Alfred Taubman Center for Public Policy,  Brown University.The Taubman Center’s approach to public policy and public affairs reflects Brown’s tradition of interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching and commitment to applied learning and service. Marion’s research focuses on urban politics and urban public policy, race and ethnic politics, urban school reform, and community organizing.  He has published five books and many scholarly articles.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Providence Plan, a large non-profit whose mission is to improve the economic and social well-being of Providence, its residents, and its neighborhoods.
• Grant Pennoyer, Director, Maine Office of Fiscal and Program Review Grant Pennoyer is the Director of the Legislature’s Office of Fiscal and Program Review, a non-partisan staff office providing fiscal research and analysis for the Legislature. Over the years in the Office, Grant has served in several capacities including Fiscal Note Coordinator, managing the process that determines the fiscal impact of legislation on state and local governments, and Coordinator of Revenue and Economic Research. Grant received his B.A. in economics from Tufts University and his MBA from the University of Washington.
• Barbara Raths, Deputy Treasurer, State of Maine.  In this role, Barbara oversees cash and debt management and represents the State Treasurer on authority and retirement system boards. She received the 2007 Maine State Manager of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership in public finance.  She currently serves as a member of the Bates College Board of Trustees and has previously served as the President of the State Debt Management Network, the professional organization of the issuers and managers of state debt. Barbara received an M.B.A. from the University of Southern Maine, has a Bachelors from Bates College. 
• Craig Sandler, CEO, State House News, Massachusetts. Craig Sandler is co-owner and general manager of the State House News Service, an independent wire service covering state government and politics in depth. Craig is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
• John Simmons, Executive Director, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council As the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), John and is responsible for the development, administration and promotion of an applied research and public education program on a broad range of fiscal, public policy and public administration issues affecting state and local governments. Mr. Simmons has a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Hartford and a Bachelors degree from Central Connecticut State University.
• Navjeet Singh, Vice President, Research and Evaluation, The Commonwealth Corporation. The Commonwealth Corporation’s mission is to build upward mobility pathways for Massachusetts youth and adults to prepare for high demand careers, in concert with state and regional partners. Navjeet leads a team that determines the effectiveness of education and workforce development programs and conducts research on workforce development and labor market trends in Massachusetts. Navjeet hold an M.S. in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic, an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and a B.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology. ↑ top

Internships

Throughout the year, the New England Public Policy Center offers a limited number of internships. We look for outstanding graduate and undergraduate students to assist us with research in the fields of applied economics and public policy. Typically, interns are assigned to projects which involve quantitative and qualitative analysis and are required to independently perform data collection, statistical and econometric analysis, literature reviews, and writing tasks.

Summer Internships

Summer internships are full-time, paid, and generally last ten to twelve weeks. When a position is available, applications are solicited through the research department.

Academic-Year Internships

The Center also periodically offers academic-year internships that are unpaid and require that the student receive academic credit. Students are asked to commit to at least 15-20 hours per week for an entire semester. Please contact the Center if you are interested in an academic internship.