Mary Farrell, co-founder of MEF Associates, serves as President of the firm. She conducts research on a broad range of human service programs and policies, including income support, food assistance, and employment and training.
Mary’s work involves managing program evaluations, leading data collection efforts, conducting implementation studies, and conducting cost-benefit studies. Mary has directed or managed numerous projects targeting low-income families, returning citizens, disability beneficiaries, noncustodial parents, SNAP recipients, and refugees.
Prior to founding MEF Associates, she was a Vice President at The Lewin Group, where she directed the income security and employment work within the Federal Human Services Practice. She previously worked at MDRC and the U.S. Department of Education’s Planning and Evaluation Service.
Mary earned her master’s degree in Public and Private Management (MPPM) from Yale University and her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics from the University of California at Berkeley. In her spare time, Mary enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts and audiobooks on walks and runs, and doing the various NY Times puzzles.