Managing Fiscal Risks

Jimmy Einsiedler is an associate with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project, coordinating the team’s lines of work and contributing to research on state management of federal funds as well as the effects of new and emerging risks on a state’s fiscal stability. Before joining Pew, Einsiedler directed constituent services for U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R) in his home state of Maine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.

Maureen Hilton is a senior associate with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project. She conducts research and analysis on state management of federal funds as well as new and emerging risks to state fiscal stability. Before joining Pew, she worked for the process improvement team for the city of Detroit. Earlier in her career, Hilton was a research associate and lab manager conducting social and cognitive science research at Carnegie Mellon University. Hilton holds bachelor’s degrees in cognitive science and fine arts from Tufts University, and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.  

Jad Maayah is a senior associate with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project, providing policy research and technical assistance to state lawmakers to promote state fiscal stability and strategic budgeting in response to natural disasters and other emerging risks. Before joining Pew, Maayah served as the editor in chief of the Georgetown Public Policy Review, worked to improve the financial infrastructure supporting immigrant advocacy initiatives in Connecticut, and conducted diplomatic and policy research at the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C. Maayah holds a bachelor’s degree in government and economics from Harvard University and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

Samuel Pittman is an associate with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project and supports research and analysis on state management of federal funds as well as new and emerging risks to state fiscal stability. Before joining Pew, Pittman worked for a management consulting firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Virginia.

Laura Pontari is an associate manager with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project. She manages research projects aimed at helping states to prepare for new and emerging fiscal risks and manage federal funds. Before joining Pew, Pontari interned for the Philadelphia Department of Finance and the Georgia House of Representatives. Pontari holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, and Spanish and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia.

Ronojoy Sen is an officer with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project and leads state policy engagements on topics including natural disaster budgeting. He previously was an officer with Pew’s Results First initiative. Before coming to Pew, Sen worked with the StateStat performance management program in Governor Martin O’Malley’s office in Maryland, and he also was a case manager with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Montgomery County, Maryland. Sen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland. 

Caitlyn Wan Smith is an officer with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project, leading research and outreach on topics including natural disaster budgeting and emerging risks to state fiscal stability. Before joining Pew, Smith was a senior fiscal analyst with the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, where she advised legislators on environmental policy and budget issues. Her other work experience includes policy research and writing as an independent consultant and local government budget analysis. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Texas at Austin.

Andrea Snyder works with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project, providing research and analysis on federal and state budgeting for natural disasters and on other new and emerging fiscal risks. Before joining Pew, Snyder was an assistant director for the Atlantic Council, where she helped to implement climate adaptation initiatives and developed a climate risk and social vulnerability tool. Earlier in her career, she interned for the United Nations, the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, and Human Rights Watch, among other organizations. Snyder holds a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and world affairs from Occidental College.

Kate Watkins is an associate with Pew’s managing fiscal risks project, for which she researches and analyzes how states can prepare for new and emerging fiscal risks and manage federal funds. Before joining Pew, Watkins completed internships focused on appropriation and procurement processes in the federal government. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.