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Robert Zahradnik is director of research on states’ economic vitality at Pew. He oversees efforts to research and analyze efficient and effective options for addressing state economic challenges and building a strong foundation for long-term economic vitality.

As the lead on Pew’s portfolio of research investigating state economic growth, Zahradnik manages a team of researchers working to provide states with the evidence-based tools they need to improve their economic climates. He also develops new projects related to states’ economic vitality and future growth.

Before joining Pew, Zahradnik worked for the chief financial officer of the District of Columbia as a manager in the Office of Budget and Planning and then as director of research in the Office of Revenue Analysis. In the latter position, he managed the office’s research agenda that covered tax, budget, and economic policies and processes impacting the District of Columbia. He was also a senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, DC. At the center, he was on the staff of the State Fiscal Project, and his work focused on state budget and tax issues.

Zahradnik holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s of public administration from George Washington University.