Connecticut State Finance Project

As Executive Director, Lisa Hammersley is the chief executive of the School and State Finance Project and is responsible for overseeing the direction, work, and external affairs of the organization. She is also charged with leading, supporting, and coordinating efforts to execute and fulfill the organization’s mission and goals while maintaining relations with state and local policymakers, organization funders, and other external stakeholders.

A veteran Connecticut budget and policy advisor, Lisa has more than a decade of experience, knowledge, and leadership in state budget analysis, policymaking, and legislative affairs. Lisa joined the School and State Finance Project as the organization's Deputy Executive Director in December 2018 after working in Connecticut’s legislative and executive branches.

Previously, Lisa served as a senior staff member for the Republican Caucus of the Connecticut State Senate for over eight years, including four years overseeing all of the Caucus’ budget and policy work as its budget director and chief legislative analyst. During her time working for the Caucus, Lisa analyzed state budgets and policy changes, formulated budget proposals, wrote legislation and amendments, and was instrumental in spearheading policy initiatives and working across the political aisle to pass legislation, including two bipartisan state budgets in 2017 and 2018.

In addition to her work in the Connecticut General Assembly, Lisa’s breadth of budget and policy experience includes nearly five years at Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM), which serves as the governor’s budget office. During her time at OPM, Lisa worked as a budget specialist and analyst and was responsible for formulating portions of proposed gubernatorial budgets, presenting budget recommendations to policymakers, and prioritizing and recommending capital projects for Connecticut’s State Bond Commission.

Lisa holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Central Connecticut State University. She and her family reside in Southington, Connecticut.

One of the original staff members of the School and State Finance Project, Patrick Gibson specializes in quantitative public policy analysis, and serves as the organization's Deputy Executive Director for Data, Policy, and Special Projects.

As Deputy Executive Director, Patrick leads the School and State Finance Project’s data and policy teams and oversees the development of all the organization's data and policy content, including analyses of state, local, and federal data, and the development of accessible and informative tools and data visualizations.

Additionally, Patrick spearheads the organization’s work in providing custom data analysis for state and local policymakers and other external stakeholders, and works closely with the School and State Finance Project’s Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director for Communications & Operations to chart the organization’s strategic direction.

Patrick is also charged with leading and coordinating the organization’s consultant and fee-for-service work. In leading this work, Patrick has helped an array of partner organizations — including school districts, state working groups, nonprofits, and news publications — advance their missions and meet their goals and objectives.

Patrick holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College. At Carnegie Mellon University, Patrick worked with a team to model the economic impact of a proposed brownfield redevelopment in Pittsburgh.

A member of the School and State Finance Project team since its founding, Michael Morton serves as the organization's Deputy Executive Director for Communications and Operations, and is responsible for overseeing all of the organization's communications, public outreach, and internal operations.

With expertise in public affairs, media relations, and communications strategies, Michael is in charge of the final development, production, and release of all materials produced by the organization, and is responsible for ensuring all materials are accessible and approachable for their specific audiences. Michael also manages the organization’s websites and is coordinates all organizational messaging, legislative testimony, press releases, and public communication.

In addition to his communications roles, Michael acts as a chief of staff for the School and State Finance Project's Executive Director. In this capacity, Michael oversees all internal operations of the organization, leads the School and State Finance Project's strategic planning process, and assists the Executive Director in managing the organization's budget and resources. He also works with the Executive Director and Deputy Director for Data, Policy, and Special Projects to develop the organization's policy priorities.

Previously, Michael worked for the global communications firm H+K Strategies and was a member of its public affairs practices in Washington, DC and Austin, Texas. At H+K, Michael was heavily involved in government relations, policy research, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and message building. Over the course of his tenure at H+K, Michael helped lead accounts for a prominent federal consulting group, an international tire manufacturer, and a leading company uniform supplier.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Erika Haynes brings to the School and State Finance Project more than a decade of community leadership, parent engagement, and experience navigating the state’s public school systems.

In her role as Director of Community Engagement, Erika meets with parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and interested residents across Connecticut to help them better understand the state’s school finance system and how it impacts their communities. Erika regularly gives school finance presentations to community and school groups, and offers a number of workshops for those interested in learning more about education funding and how they can increase their civic participation. In addition to trekking around the state, Erika is responsible for developing and executing the School and State Finance Project’s community engagement plan, and for nurturing and maintaining connections in communities.

A longtime resident of Willimantic, Connecticut, Erika is a former member of the Windham Town Council and has served as both a community representative on the Windham School Readiness Council and as a board member for the Windham Parent Network.

As a proud mother of four, Erika has experienced the gamut of Connecticut’s public school systems. In addition to homeschooling for a period of time, her children have attended local public schools and magnet schools. The journey of her children through school, and her unique experiences as both a community leader and parent, have fueled her passion for working with communities to support their students and schools.

Erika’s commitment to education and community is demonstrated through her past work assisting parents and guardians through special education Planning and Placement Teams (PPTs) and her founding of the Windham chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, a program that sends food home to roughly 500 Windham-area children each weekend.

Erika holds a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. From 2000-2016, she also served as an adjunct professor at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she led the nonprofit component for Performance Arts Management and Music Management majors.

Morgan Considine brings to the School and State Finance Project experience in quantitative policy analysis and program evaluation, along with a familiarity with state government operations and departmental functions.

As a Senior Data Analyst, Morgan helps analyze state, local, and federal data as well as create interactive data tools and visualizations. Additionally, Morgan helps develop policy solutions and works with fellow members of the School and State Finance Project’s data team to present solutions in ways that are accessible and approachable for audiences of varying levels of expertise.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Morgan completed a variety of internships focused on public policy and data, including stints at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the State Department of Education.

Morgan holds a Master of Public Policy, with a concentration in public finance and budgeting, from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Eastern Connecticut State University.

With a background in data analysis and data visualization, as well as experience examining and evaluating retirement and benefit plans, Ashley Robles is a member of the School and State Finance Project's data team.

Originally an intern for the organization while she pursued her master's degree, Ashley currently serves as a data analyst where she is responsible for analyzing education funding and state finance data to help the organization create tools and resources that are transparent and understandable for users of all knowledge levels.

Prior to working for the School and State Finance Project, Ashley worked for USI Consulting Group where she focused on defined benefit and defined contribution clients, and evaluated accounts and budgets for monthly benefit payments.

Ashley holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Connecticut with a focus area of public finance and budgeting, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics from UCONN.

A skilled data analyst with expertise in descriptive and predictive analytics, Amber Martin specializes in policy analysis and qualitative and quantitative research.

As a member of the School and State Finance Project’s data team, Amber helps analyze state, local, and federal data and works collaboratively to create interactive tools and visualizations that bring data points to life for all knowledge levels.

Before joining the School and State Finance Project, Amber served as a policy analyst for the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research organization. While at the RIPEC, Amber led a variety of functions including: conducting data collection and maintaining state and municipal finance databases; designing and preparing revenue and expenditure reports and budget impact analyses; researching and producing policy reports; drafting legislative testimony and issue briefs; and creating data sheets to inform community members, policymakers, and stakeholders on public policy issues.

Prior to her time at the RIPEC, Amber work as a banker and then an analysis and reporting specialist at Citizen’s Bank where she designed and implemented analytic models to forecast foreclosure and real estate sales, reviewed legal documents, and produced monthly reports on inventory, sales, profits, and losses.

Amber holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics from Southern New Hampshire University as well as a Master of Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Rhode Island College.

With a background in community organizing, program management, and education policy, Sasha Davis brings a unique perspective and invaluable experience to the work of the School and State Finance Project.

As a Policy Analyst, Sasha helps research and develop policy proposals that advance the organization’s mission and goals. This work includes reviewing current academic and policy research, writing reports and policy briefings, and identifying best practices and possible solutions for addressing some of Connecticut’s toughest education funding and state finance challenges.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Sasha served as a community organizer and program manager for the Sheff Movement Coalition, which is a group of parents, students, educators, and community members working to ensure all students in the Hartford region have access to a quality integrated education. In this role, Sasha developed and oversaw a leadership program for middle and high school students called School Based Advocacy Teams. Before her work at the Sheff Movement Coalition, Sasha served in a variety of graduate assistant and research assistant roles at the University of Connecticut, and was a leadership facilitator for the Discovery Center in Hartford.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Sasha is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Connecticut, where she received her Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Leadership and Public Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Bay Path College and an Associate of Arts from Capital Community College. Sasha and her family reside in Berlin, Connecticut.

C.J. Strand brings to the School and State Finance Project more than a decade of government relations and policy experience working in both the Connecticut General Assembly and the state’s executive branch.

As a Government Relations and Policy Associate, C.J. is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with state and local policymakers, informing legislators about the work and positions of the School and State Finance Project, and ensuring the organization is aware of the latest legislative developments. C.J. also works with the organization’s Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy that is reflective of the organization’s priorities and goals. In addition to his government relations work, C.J. is a member of the organization's policy team and serves as the lead researcher and writer for many of the School and State Finance Project’s reports and policy briefings.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, C.J. spent more than three years as a legislative liaison for Connecticut’s Department of Transportation where he was responsible for developing and advocating for the department’s legislative priorities, researching key legislative issues impacting the department’s policies and programs, and fostering and maintaining relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.

Before his tenure at the Department of Transportation, C.J. worked in the Connecticut General Assembly serving first as the clerk for the legislature’s Transportation Committee and then later as a legislative aide. In both positions, C.J. worked on a number of legislative initiatives and was responsible for researching legislative proposals and advising on policy issues.

A native of Connecticut, C.J. holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from the University of Connecticut. C.J. and his family reside in Bristol, Connecticut.

With experience in legislative affairs, public policy, and communications, George Sinclair brings valuable insight, knowledge, and a unique skillset to the School and State Finance Project.

In his role as Communications & Government Relations Associate, George is responsible for crafting and implementing the organization’s social media strategy and establishing ways to effectively message the organization’s materials to its various audiences. Additionally, George is responsible for helping develop and maintain relationships with state and local policymakers and informing legislators about the work and positions of the School and State Finance Project.

Previously, George worked in the government relations practice of a Connecticut-based law firm where he connected organizations and businesses with the appropriate legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly. From this experience, George gained extensive knowledge about the legislative process and a wide array of public policy areas.

George also worked as an assistant clerk for the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, where he received significant first-hand experience in the state budget process. In addition to his legislative and government relations experience, George worked as a research assistant on Connecticut’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Project where he helped analyze statewide traffic stop data in order to identify potential disparities.

George holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Government from the University of Hartford.

With experience in communications, policy analysis, community relations, and education policy research, Nisha Gandhi helps communicate the work of the School and State Finance Project in ways that are accessible, approachable, and easy-to-understand.

As a Communications Associate, Nisha focuses on developing digital communication strategies for the organization, and producing interactive and educational materials for various stakeholder groups. Additionally, Nisha helps craft messaging and legislative testimony for advancing the organization’s mission, goals, and policy priorities.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Nisha worked as a policy consultant for the City of Providence where she helped create a backbone nonprofit organization to house information about the work of nonprofits across Rhode Island.

She also previously worked as a research consultant for the Providence Children & Youth Cabinet where she developed professional development trainings for teachers, parents, and administrators about best practices for building trauma-sensitive schools. Additionally, Nisha has served as the social media and communications coordinator for the organization Run for Something, which is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing resources for young, progressive candidates running for office.

Nisha holds a Master of Arts degree in Urban Education Policy from Brown University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education Policy from Quinnipiac University.

A passion for social justice, education, and volunteering has led Jen Nakos to the School and State Finance Project where she serves on the Community Engagement team.

As a Community Engagement Associate, Jen works with communities across the state to help Connecticut residents better understand the state’s education finance system and how it impacts their local schools. Jen is also responsible for cultivating and enhancing relationships with community-based organizations and exploring avenues for potential partnerships and collaborations that support the organization's mission and goals.

In addition to her community engagement work, Jen is actively involved in the PTA for her children’s elementary school, including serving terms as its president and treasurer. Prior to moving to Connecticut in the early 2000s, Jen lived in Hong Kong for five years where she was a freelance English language teacher and a network associate for Chase Manhattan Bank.

Jen holds a Master of Social Work from Sacred Heart University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Boston College. Previously, she worked as an operations analyst for The Boston Company and Fidelity Investments.

Jen lives in Fairfield with her husband, their three children, and their family dog.

A senior at George Mason University pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration with a minor in Data Analysis, Darshni Patel brings experience in social media, communications, and public policy to the School and State Finance Project.

As a Social Media and Communications Intern, Darshni is focused on engaging audiences, driving productive conversations, and growing the organization’s digital presence. Her work is centered around developing and executing the organization’s social media strategy, and creating accessible content for the School and State Finance Project’s various social media accounts that will engage and inform stakeholders.

In addition to her studies, Darshni is a member of the debate team and Pride Alliance at George Mason University and serves as a District of Columbia Area Public School Equity Volunteer. Darshni is also the founder of the Piscataway Youth Progressive Organization, which focuses on uplifting and amplifying the voices of students in her hometown of Piscataway, New Jersey.

Previously, Darshni was a media specialist with Pam Stevens Media, a Library of Congress Labs Junior Fellow, and a LGBT+ Resident Advisor at George Mason. She also served as a legislative intern for New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal.