High-resolution

Areas of Expertise
Public investment • Social welfare policies • State budgets and taxes • Strategic communications • Network engagement

Biography
From 2016 to 2018, Dianne Stewart was the Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN), a national network of more than 60 state-level policy research and advocacy organizations coordinated by EPI. As EARN Director, Stewart worked with EARN’s members, donors, and allies across the country to facilitate strategic joint initiatives and broaden coalitions on issues ranging from minimum wages, wage theft, misclassification, sick leave, scheduling, forced arbitration, immigration, childcare, retirement, manufacturing and other issues affecting low- and middle-income workers.

Prior to joining EPI, Stewart created Indivisible, a nonprofit dedicated to building public understanding of the importance of coming together through government to address critical challenges in our communities, states, and nation. She also created and led Public Works, a nonprofit charged with building public support for government programs and services across the country. She founded and led the Texas-based Center for Public Policy Priorities, one of the original 10 State Priorities Partnership organizations (coordinated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) and an early member of both EARN and the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count network. Throughout her career, Stewart has served on or led numerous boards, councils, and coalitions, including as an appointee of Governor Ann Richards to the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness.

Education
M.S. in social work (MSSW) with a concentration in public policy, University of Texas at Austin
B.A., Plan II Honors Program, University of Texas at Austin