Staff Members

  • President Maya MacGuineas
    President

    Maya MacGuineas is the president of the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Her areas of expertise include budget, tax, and economic policy. As a leading budget expert and a political independent, she works closely with members of both parties and serves as a trusted resource on Capitol Hill. MacGuineas testifies regularly before Congress and has published broadly, including in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Atlantic, and numerous other outlets. She also appears regularly as a commentator on television.

    MacGuineas oversees a number of the Committee’s projects including FixUS, a project seeking to better understand the root causes of our nation’s growing divisions and deteriorating political system, and TEC, which focuses on technology, the economy, and capitalism.

    Previously, MacGuineas worked at the Brookings Institution and on Wall Street, and in the spring of 2009 she did a stint on The Washington Post editorial board, covering economic and fiscal policy. MacGuineas serves on a number of nonprofit boards and is a native Washingtonian.

  • Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director

    Marc Goldwein is the Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he guides and conducts research on a wide array of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget. He is frequently quoted in a number of major media outlets and works regularly with Members of Congress and their staffs on budget-related issues. 

    Previously, Marc served as Associate Director of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (The Fiscal Commission) and senior budget analyst on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (The Super Committee).  He also conducted research for the Government Accountability Office, the World Bank, the Historian's Office at the Social Security Administration, and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley.  

    In addition to his work at the Committee, Marc serves on Martha's Tables' Business Advisory Council and teaches economics at Johns Hopkins University and the University of California DC. Marc is the recipient of the Johns Hopkins University Excellence in Teaching award and was featured in the Forbes "30 Under 30" list for Law & Policy. He holds a BA and MA from Johns Hopkins University.  Contact Marc at goldwein@crfb.org and find him on Twitter at @MarcGoldwein.

  • Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff | Director of FixUS

    Mike Murphy is Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages policy research and analysis on a variety of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget, as well as coordinates a wide array of projects related to advancing the Committee’s policy related initiatives. He is also the Director of FixUS, a special initiative of the Committee that through a number of efforts and partnerships seeks to better understand the root causes of our nation’s growing divisions and deteriorating political system, to work with others to bring attention to these issues and the need to fix them, and to build support for necessary changes. 

    Prior to joining the Committee, Mike worked for the Comeback America Initiative, a non-profit founded by David Walker, Former Comptroller General of the United States, whose mission is to educate and engage the public about federal, state and local fiscal issues. Previously, Mike also worked as a Senior Transportation Program Analyst for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as in legislative affairs for the American Cancer Society and on Capitol Hill. 

    Mike received his bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from the State University of New York at Albany, and a Masters of Public Administration and a Certificate of Health Services Management and Policy from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Contact him at murphy@crfb.org.

  • Senior Advisor, Finance and Operations

    As Senior Advisor, Finance and Operations, Simone Frank is responsible for assisting the organization with its day-to-day business, legal, financial, human resources and administrative operations. Ms. Frank has over 25 years of financial management experience, including banking, investment banking, strategic planning and operating finance.

    Prior to assisting the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Ms. Frank was the Vice President of Finance and Operations for the New America Foundation for 10 years. Ms. Frank also served as Chief Financial Officer for Best Doctors, Inc., as a Senior Director of Finance for Marriott International, and as Finance Director for various operating divisions of Tricon Global Restaurants and PepsiCo, Inc. In addition, Ms. Frank started her careeer in banking as an Associate in mergers and acquisitions for Manufacturers Hanover Trust and as an Assistant Vice President for Den Danske Bank.

    Ms. Frank earned her bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

  • Director of Health Policy

    Anna Bonelli is the Director of Health Policy for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she analyzes federal health policy to identify savings opportunities and manages the health policy team. Anna held multiple federal roles before joining the Committee, including leading the nationwide Medicaid "unwinding" effort for CMS and managing the opioids and behavioral health policy portfolio for Medicare and Medicaid. She also served as a detailee to the Senate Finance Committee. Anna holds a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota. Contact her at bonelli@crfb.org.

  • Policy Analyst

    Emily is a Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Emily joins the Committee with previous experience as a Physical Therapist at the National Rehabilitation Network. While there she specialized in the treatment of sports injuries, post-operative patients, and individuals experiencing headaches and dizziness. Emily recognized she had a passion to change the health system through policy work, which led her to the Committee. Emily achieved her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University at Buffalo. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Public Health from The George Washington University, Milken Institute of Public Health. Emily is currently licensed as a Physical Therapist in the District of Columbia.  

  • Special Projects Manager

    Kate Campbell is the Special Projects Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. In this role, she oversees and executes high-impact projects related to a variety of issue areas. She also manages the Intern Program. Prior to joining the Committee, she worked as a Research Associate for Business Forward. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Theatre with a minor in History from the George Washington University in 2022. Contact her at campbell@crfb.org

  • Social Security Analyst

    Anthony Colavito is a Social Security Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he supports efforts to strengthen and restore solvency to the Social Security insurance programs. Anthony previously served in the Social Security Administration modeling program reforms and researching issues related to retirement security. He also worked in Third Way’s Economic Program, supporting efforts to bolster economic security, and in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, conducting research for the Business Employment Dynamics program. Anthony holds a B.S. in economics and political science and an M.P.P from the George Washington University, and an M.S. in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University. Contact him at colavito@crfb.org.

  • Policy Analyst

    Madeleine Fischer is a Policy Analyst at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Prior to joining the Committee, she served as an Assistant Analyst in the Long-Term Analysis Unit at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), where she worked on long-term Social Security projections and helped to develop the agency’s microsimulation model, CBOLT2. Originally from Fresno, California, Fischer holds a B.A. in Economics and German Studies from Stanford University. Contact her at fischer@crfb.org.

  • Policy Analyst

    Joey Garrand is a Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he works on the policy team to conduct research and analysis on a variety of budgetary and economic issues. Prior to joining the Committee, Joey served as regional editor of Capital Analytics Associates’ northern U.S. markets, helping to produce in-depth business intelligence on metropolitan markets and regional economies. Joey holds a B.S. in Finance from Florida State University. Contact him at garrand@crfb.org.

  • Senior Policy Analyst

    Kate Generelli is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she works on the policy team to conduct research and analysis on economic and budgetary issues. She also provides support for the Committee's COVID Money Tracker. Prior to joining the Committee, Kate was a Tax and Financial Services Associate at the government relations firm, Venn Strategies. She holds a master's in public policy from George Mason University and a B.A. from the University of Mary Washington. Contact her at generelli@crfb.org

  • Manager of Development and Events

    Sophie Gormley is a Manager of Development and Events for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she advances the Committee’s work via fundraising and events. She previously worked as an Executive Assistant and in campaigns in San Francisco. She graduated with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Peace and Justice from the University of San Francisco and is currently getting her Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Contact her at gormley@crfb.org.

  • Program Associate

    Hannah Hall is a Program Associate for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget where she assists the organization through administrative, research, and procedural support.  Formerly from Georgia, Hannah attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she received a B.S. in Global Leadership Studies and Political Science. Contact her at majchrzak@crfb.org.

  • Senior Program Associate

    Andrew Henry is a Senior Program Associate for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. He conducts research and provides logistical support for the FixUS initiative as well as the policy team, and he aids the Chief of staff in managing Committee projects. A Williamsburg, Virginia, native, he graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020 after double-majoring in History and Religious Studies with a minor in Astronomy and completed a Master's in Public Policy at George Mason University in 2022. Contact him at henry@crfb.org.

  • Health Policy Analyst

    Christian is a Health Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Christian joins the Committee with previous experience in the federal government. As an assistant analyst at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), he helped run and maintain CBO’s Health Insurance Simulation Model (HISIM). Christian also worked for a summer in the Employee Benefit Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, where he helped produce an analysis of commercial insurance coverage of mental health benefits. Christian graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Economics. Christian has also obtained a Master’s of Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. Contact him at chenry@crfb.org.

  • Legislative Director

    Matt Hodge serves as the Legislative Director, maintaining relationships with key congressional offices and managing legislative campaigns to educate lawmakers and staff. He previously spent sixteen years on Capitol Hill, most recently as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), and earlier for Rep. Tom Graves, Rep. Austin Scott, and former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Matt holds a Master's in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and a BA from Christopher Newport University, and served in the U.S. Navy. Contact him at hodge@crfb.org.

  • Director of Legislative Outreach and Strategic Initiatives

    Aaron Jones serves as the Director of Legislative Outreach and Strategic Initiatives. Prior to joining the Committee, he was founding director of Congressional Relations at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and before that spent eight years on Capitol Hill in the office of Rep. Hal Rogers (KY), working on health care, transportation, energy, and appropriations. Aaron holds a B.A. from Morehead State University and a Master's from the U.S. Naval War College. His expertise spans federal budgeting and legislative history, and he frequently speaks and testifies before Congress on these topics. Contact him at jones@crfb.org.

  • Assistant Director, Media Relations

    Matt Klucher is the Assistant Director for Media Relations for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he supports the communications team in promoting and advancing the Committee’s work. He previously coordinated research and communications for a D.C. nonprofit think tank, where he worked to promote economic mobility for poor and working Americans. He graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and a minor in Political Science from American University in 2019. Contact him at klucher@crfb.org

  • Engagement Manager

    Emily Moore is an Engagement Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she manages outreach and promotion of the Committee's digital tools. Before joining the Committee, Emily served as a Senior Legislative Correspondent to Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), covering appropriations, economic, and judiciary policy. Emily holds bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Delaware. She continued her studies with a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at Delaware's Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration. You can contact Emily at moore@crfb.org.
     

  • Communications Manager

    Diana Muia is a Communications Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she supports the communications team in promoting the Committee's work. Previously, she worked in communication and media coordination for Old Dominion University’s Athletic Department. She has also held various leadership roles within the Public Relations Students Society of America at Old Dominion. Diana graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Strategic Communications and Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from Old Dominion University in 2022. Contact her at muia@crfb.org.

  • Vice President of Development and Events

    Chris Rotella is the Vice President of Development and Events for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages all fundraising activities, including the discovery, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors, foundations, and annual fund contributors. He also leads the events team, which plans and executes all public events and engagement activities. He came to the Committee after ten years in development and alumni relations roles at The George Washington University, most recently as Director of Development for the Graduate School of Political Management. Chris received his B.A. in political science in 2008 and an MBA, with a finance focus, in 2012, both from The George Washington University. Contact him at rotella@crfb.org.

  • Director of Social Security Policy

    Mark Sarney is the Director of Social Security Policy at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he supports efforts to restore Social Security solvency and strengthen its effectiveness. Prior to joining the Committee, Mark worked at the Social Security Administration in several research and policy analysis roles. Most recently, as Director of the Office of Research he managed social science research into the retirement and disability programs, including modeling the effects of solvency options on benefits, income, and poverty. Mark has a B.A. in Political Science from Binghamton University and a Master's in Public Management from the University of Maryland. Contact him at sarney@crfb.org.

  • Assistant Director of Research

    John Schuler is the Assistant Director of Research for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he works on the policy team to conduct analysis on a wide variety of budgetary and economic issues. John came to the Committee from Capitol Hill, where he served for more than four years as a Legislative Assistant to Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas, and Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Prior to his time on the Hill, John worked for Heritage Action for America as a Government Relations and Executive Assistant. A native of Kansas City, John first came to Washington to attend the American University School of International Service, where he graduated with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Political Science in 2011. Contact him at schuler@crfb.org.

  • Senior Director, Legislative Strategy

    Adam Shifriss is the Senior Director of Legislative Strategy for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, guiding education and engagement with congressional offices in both parties to advance responsible budget policies. His work has contributed to shaping major legislation and debate in areas including budget process reform, debt limit, tax, health care, and Social Security. He helped establish and grow the member-led Bipartisan Fiscal Forum. Adam previously served in the U.S. House with a portfolio including Energy and Commerce and Appropriations Committee work. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Policy Analysis from Indiana University. Contact him at shifriss@crfb.org.

  • Legislative Manager

    Rachel Skeirik is a Legislative Manager with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. At the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Rachel assists in tracking legislative developments, coordinating events, disseminating policy materials, and providing administrative support to the legislative team. Rachel graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a dual bachelor's degree in communication studies and political science. Rachel comes from Capitol Hill where she served as a Scheduling/Executive Assistant for Senator Patty Murray’s office. Contact her at skeirik@crfb.org.

  • Deputy Director of Congressional Coalitions

    Frank J. Smith is the Deputy Director of Congressional Coalitions, where he primarily supports the Committee's efforts with the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum. The Bipartisan Fiscal Forum is a group of members of Congress dedicated to sounding the alarm about the nation's unsustainable debt trajectory. Before joining the Committee, Frank served as a Policy Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, covering her housing, small business, and economic issues. Before he joined the White House, Frank worked for Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). Frank holds dual degrees in Public Policy and Political Science from Arizona State University and earned his MPhil in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford as a Marshall Scholar. Contact him at smith@crfb.org.

  • Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff

    Ben Tomchik is the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he handles a wide variety of issues, including engagement and VIP communications. Prior to joining the Committee, he worked in public affairs for the American Insurance Association, managed the George Washington University School of Business philanthropic advisory board, and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. Originally from Pittsburgh, Ben received a bachelor’s degree in Government and International Politics from George Mason University, and a master's degree in Strategic Public Relations from the Graduate School for Political Management at the George Washington University. Contact him at tomchik@crfb.org.

  • Policy Director

    Chris Towner is the Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages the policy team's day-to-day workflow and analyzes budget, tax, health, and retirement policy. Before becoming policy director, Chris advocated for children's issues in the federal budget at First Focus on Children and was the lead analyst for the Committee’s McCrery-Pomeroy SSDI Solutions Initiative. Chris has over a decade of federal budget policy expertise and was elected to the National Academy of Social Insurance in 2022. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Political Science from Boston University. Contact him at towner@crfb.org.

  • Graphic Desginer

    Richard Von Zimmer is a Graphic Designer for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, developing infographics, reports, and other visual communications and helping maintain the Committee's visual brand. He previously served as Design Manager at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, earning American Graphic Design Awards in 2013, 2015, and 2018, and before that was a Visual Information Specialist at the United States Institute of Peace. Richard holds an A.S. in Photography and Graphic Design from Northern Virginia Community College. Contact him at zimmer@crfb.org.

  • Senior Legislative Manager

    Gavin Wolf is a Senior Legislative Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. In this role, he assists the legislative team in conducting outreach to lawmakers and provides operational support to the Committee. Originally from New York state, Gavin attended Loyola University Maryland, where he majored in history and minored in political science. After completing his degree, he spent three years working for Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY). Contact him at wolf@crfb.org.

  • Program Associate

    Tess Woosley is a Program Associate for the Committee for Responsible Federal Budget. In this role she provides logistical, operational, and research support for the organization’s activities. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the George Washington University in 2023. Contact her at woosley@crfb.org.

  • Policy Analyst

    Jay Zaleski is a Policy Analyst at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he helps analyze the impact of current and proposed policies on the deficit and national debt. Prior to joining the Committee, Jay was a consultant for state and local governments on grant management and data analysis projects. Jay received a B.S. in Economics from West Virginia University, and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. Contact him at zaleski@crfb.org.