Katherine Lucas McKay

Serves as the Financial Security Program’s senior subject-matter expert on household assets, debts, and net worth. Leads the Future of Wealth research pillar from proposal development through implementation and impact reporting, supervising the Insights and Evidence team and translating findings for partners, publications, and media.

Developed and executed complex project plans across research, events and convenings, partnerships, messaging, and strategic communications. Conducted quantitative analysis in R Studio and qualitative research through structured interviews and focus groups, authoring research publications and communicating findings to stakeholders and general audiences.

Facilitated the work of colleagues across multiple teams to manage projects involving research, events and convenings, partnerships, messaging, and strategic communications. Supported quantitative data analysis in R Studio and qualitative research via interviews and focus groups, and contributed to research insights publications for diverse audiences.

Contributed to research and insights activities for the Financial Security Program, including quantitative data analysis in R Studio and qualitative research such as structured interviews and focus groups. Assisted with survey instrument development and supported publication and stakeholder-communication efforts.

Led policy development and advocacy on housing, consumer financial protection, and microbusiness, building support through partner outreach at national, state, and local levels. Advanced Prosperity Now’s objectives in policy negotiations between federal officials and industry associations, represented the organization in government proceedings, and drafted congressional testimony and public-facing

Advanced Prosperity Now’s federal policy goals by supporting negotiations between federal officials and industry associations and representing the organization in government proceedings. Authored articles, reports, briefs, and blog posts, and supported drafting of congressional testimony and responses to requests for comment on relevant federal programs.

Implemented advocacy strategies to build support for Prosperity Now priorities through coordinated outreach with partner organizations. Supported policy research and analysis related to federal programs affecting housing, consumer financial protection, and microbusiness, and contributed to public-facing policy writing.

Wrote congressional testimony, speeches, and articles for chief-level executives on financial reform legislation, housing policy, and small business access to capital. Supported research and policy development related to foreclosure prevention and Dodd-Frank Act mortgage and consumer finance reforms, and assisted management of business development initiatives including a community loan fund and wo

Earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at H. John Heinz III College, Carnegie Mellon University.

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Wellesley College.