Palmer Joins New America As Senior Policy Analyst

New America is pleased to announce that Iris Palmer has joined the organization's Education Policy Program as a senior policy analyst. Ms. Palmer will play a lead role in expanding New America's work on state higher education policies, including performance-based funding, statewide data systems, and student financial aid.

Ms. Palmer brings a wealth of expertise in state and federal higher education policy to New America. She was previously a senior policy analyst at the National Governors Association, and between 2005 and 2008 she worked as a policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Education, where she focused on coordinating and implementing higher education policy primarily around access issues. Ms. Palmer has also previously worked at HCM Strategists and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Kevin Carey, Director of New America's Education Policy Program, said: "We are delighted to welcome Iris to New America. She has impressive understanding of the role of states in terms of college affordability, completion, and quality, and will serve as an important voice in national policy discussions. We believe Iris's focus on what's happening beyond the federal level will serve as a welcome complement and extension of New America's higher education portfolio."

Ms. Palmer graduated from George Mason University with an master's degree in public policy. She holds a BA in political science from Goucher College. She can be reached at palmer@newamerica.org or on Twitter at @IrisOnHigherEd.