Breyon Williams, Ph.D.

Breyon Williams is the Chief Economist at Groundwork Collaborative.

Breyon Williams is an applied economist and research strategist who brings a decade of experience using data and evidence to inform economic policy that puts working people first. As Chief Economist at Groundwork Collaborative, he leads the organization’s research portfolio, translating rigorous analysis into actionable insights that advance a more inclusive, people-centered economy.

Breyon’s work spans government, consulting, and the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Groundwork, he was a Researcher at Mathematica, where he led complex evaluations for the U.S. Department of Education (including its Institute of Education Sciences), the U.S. Department of Labor, and major philanthropies. He managed cross-functional teams, designed studies using causal inference methods, and helped decision-makers understand what works—and for whom—through accessible, policy-relevant research products. Before Mathematica, Breyon was an Associate at Analysis Group, a leading litigation consulting firm, where he conducted empirical research and data analysis in high-stakes antitrust and consumer protection cases.

Breyon began his career as an Economic Analyst at the South Carolina Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Office, where he developed state revenue forecasts and modeled the economic impact of proposed tax policies. Across roles, he has worked closely with policymakers, community leaders, and funders to build evidence that supports better outcomes for everyday people.

His research has been published in top economic journals, including the Journal of Law and Economics and the Economics of Education Review. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of South Carolina and has presented his work at leading academic and policy conferences, including AEA, AEFP, and APPAM.