Karin Martinson

Responsible for managing large portfolio of work at the U.S. Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration, with revenues of over $5 million annually. Held leadership roles Principal Investigator, Project Director) on large-scale projects at wide range of federal and state agencies and philanthropic organizations, primarily in the workforce development and income support arena, to build evidence on effective approaches for improving the economic success of low-income populations. Provided extensive expertise in designing and conducting implementation and experimental research studies of social policy programs. With a focus on using research findings to promote program improvement and equitable outcomes, co-authored numerous research reports and briefs and contributed to published volumes on workforce policy.

Directed research projects evaluating employment and other policies and programs to improve the status of low-income families, including job advancement and skill development, strategies for addressing the needs of long-term welfare recipients, paid sick leave policies, responsible fatherhood programs, and “green jobs” for low-income workers. Develop fund-raising proposals for federal, state, and philanthropic organizations.

Developed policy options for the Administration’s 1994 welfare reform proposal. Analyzed 1996 Congressional proposal creating the TANF block grant program and made recommendations to HHS and Administration officials. •Participated in the development of regulations under the 1996 welfare reform law.

Participated in numerous large-scale random assignment evaluations of welfare-to-work programs, including examining the effectiveness and operation of education programs and the cost and quality of child care for cash assistance recipients.