Economic policy expert joins progressive think tank at a critical inflection point for U.S. economy

Washington, D.C. (July 8, 2021) – Groundwork Collaborative announced today that Michael Mitchell has been named the organization’s new Director of Policy and Research. Mitchell brings extensive expertise in economic policy to Groundwork, having served as a Senior Policy Analyst and most recently, Senior Director and Counselor, Equity and Inclusion at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).

“I am so honored to join Groundwork, an organization that has been at the forefront of the fight for a more inclusive and equitable economy,” said Mitchell. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to realize our vision of an economy that truly works for everyone.”

An expert on state budgets and tax policy, Mitchell is the co-author of “Advancing Racial Equity With State Tax Policy,” one of CBPP’s foundational analyses examining issues of racial equity and public policy. He also served as Program Director for CBPP’s prestigious State Policy Fellowship Program — a two-year fellowship opportunity for recent recipients of master’s degrees designed to expand the range of voices weighing in on critical state economic policy issues.

Mitchell holds a B.A. in economics and political science from the University of Connecticut and an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

“Michael is an incredibly talented leader. His tremendous policy acumen combined with his deep commitment to advancing equity helped build our capacity to center racial justice in our policy work and to make the Center a more inclusive organization,” said Sharon Parrott, CBPP president. “I’m deeply grateful for his many contributions to the Center and I am excited to watch him continue to do great things in his new role.”

Launched in 2018, the Groundwork Collaborative is driven by one core guiding principle: we are the economy. In concert with economic policy experts, movement leaders, and activists, Groundwork aims to:

Develop and advance a progressive economic worldview;

Collaborate and foster new ideas and develop new pathways to share information; and

Break down issue silos and support critical economic issue campaigns.

Groundwork also convenes ProsperUS, a new coalition of more than 80 progressive groups, working “to ensure government at all levels hears the demands of the people, meets the historic nature of the crises we face with bold ideas and fearlessly commits the public resources needed to implement them.”

“I’m so thrilled to have Michael join our growing team at this pivotal moment,” said Dr. Rakeen Mabud, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Groundwork Collaborative. “His extensive economic policy expertise and deep commitment to racial equality is an incredible asset to Groundwork and the broader progressive movement.”

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The Groundwork Collaborative is dedicated to advancing a coherent and persuasive progressive economic worldview and narrative capable of delivering meaningful opportunity and prosperity for everyone. Our work is driven by a core guiding principle: We are the economy. Follow Groundwork Collaborative on Twitter at @Groundwork and learn more at GroundworkCollaborative.org.