Dr. Elizabeth Cooner is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Policy Lab, which conducts rigorous, nonpartisan research and analysis of policy issues facing the state with an eye toward equity and social justice. With more than twenty years of professional experience, Dr. Cooner has worked in higher education, survey research, and management consulting.  As the Vice President of Social and Public Policy at Louis Harris & Associates, she focused on policy issues related to health, well-being, and access to care. Her work was often reported in the media, and she appeared on national television and radio and at The National Press Club. Dr. Cooner also served as the Executive Director of Assessment, Planning & Research at Union College-NJ for more than six years and managed the Grants Department on an interim basis. Relying on evidence-based research to guide strategic planning, improve outcomes, and increase institutional effectiveness throughout her career, Dr. Cooner also worked at other educational institutions and research firms.  She has a doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Georgetown University, and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Villanova University.