What we do

David, a former member of the state Senate and House of Representatives, has worked in public policy in Arizona for 20 years. He served as an assistant attorney general advising the School Facilities Board, legal counsel for the Arizona senate, a staff attorney providing legal services to abused and neglected children and, most recently, as a public policy director for Reading Partners, an organization that provides services to young children struggling in school. David also served as chief administrator for Arizona State University’s Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, a public charter school for preschool through 12th grade students. David earned his law degree at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU.

Karen McLaughin is the Director of Budget and Tax Policy for Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. She provides leadership on the state budget and tax issues. Prior to joining CAA in 2005, Karen held various positions with the State of Arizona including analyst with the Governor’s Office and Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Financial Serviecs Administrator for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

May Mgbolu is an Assistant Director of Policy & Advocacy at the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. Mgbolu oversees the organization’s KIDS COUNT project and data center and performs research and policy analysis. Her research focuses on state fiscal policy, P-20 education, immigration, Native American policy, criminal justice, and the intersection of race and ethnicity in the economy. Prior to joining in 2017, Mgbolu worked as an analyst in Colorado, where she conducted research on recidivism and supported the City and County of Denver’s Crime Prevention and Control Commission’s Transition to Jail model for returning citizens. Mgbolu holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Arizona State University.

Andrew advances the Arizona Center for Economic Progress’s policy agenda through analysis and advocacy, focusing on food security, housing stability, and strengthening the safety net. Andrew’s public service journey reflects a deep commitment to improving how government works for people. Before joining the AZ Center, he served as a Fellow with the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab during which he worked with the Arizona Department of Child Safety to improve the effectiveness of supports for children and families. Andrew earned his Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and his bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University.

Taylor is the Digital Strategist for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, elevating the communications of our work to the communities we serve. His prior experience includes campaigns to increase Flagstaff’s minimum wage, raise awareness for sexual and domestic violence, and provide new lending opportunities for more equitable access to housing. Before joining the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, he was the Marketing Manager launching an experiential art exhibit in Arizona. Taylor graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Sustainability and Design Studies.