Kari McCarron

Kari McCarron is a trusted and highly valued expert in higher education, bringing decades of experience within the federal higher education and scientific research enterprise, having lead education and science advocacy for associations, worked as a government relations representative for a major research university, and served within federal agencies.  Kari focuses on funding for and advocacy of student and institutional aid, education research, cultural agencies, and tech-based economic development.  She also works closely with clients on education regulations, tax policy, and immigration issues.     

Kari previously served as Director of Congressional and Governmental Affairs with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and as Senior Legislative Assistant within the Office of the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  For nearly two decades, she has actively participated in associations, coalitions, and working groups related to higher education, scientific research, innovation, and student financial aid.     

Issue Expertise: Higher Education Act and related education regulations, science and tech policy, economic development, taxation, immigration, education research, and humanities and arts programs.   

Additional Experience: Kari enhanced her knowledge of science policy serving at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).  Kari also served as an Economist with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Vital Statistics:   Kari earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan.  Wanting to combine her interest in economics and technological innovation, Kari received her Master of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  When not enjoying the quietness of her office or the halls of Congress, Kari can be found shuttling her three boys between soccer practices.