Melissa Hafner

Melissa Hafner has extensive work experience in research and policy analysis. Melissa is currently a Principal Researcher at the American Institutes for Research, a position they have held since 2022. Prior to this, Melissa worked as a Principal Research Associate at IMPAQ International from 2019 to 2022.

From 2015 to 2019, Melissa was a Health Researcher at Mathematica Policy Research. In this role, they led large-scale projects for federal clients, including analyzing quality measure data, assessing reports on the quality of care provided to publicly insured children, and implementing payment adjustment models for physicians billing fee-for-service Medicare.

Melissa also has experience working at the Massachusetts Medical Society as a Manager of Health Policy Research from 2014 to 2015. In this position, they oversaw the research department and produced research products related to healthcare policy.

Before that, Melissa worked at the Office of Inspector General, HHS as a Senior Program Analyst from 2006 to 2014. In this role, they designed and led evaluations of DHHS programs to identify fraud, waste, abuse, and areas for improvement.

Melissa began their career at the University of Chicago Hospitals as a Research Assistant from 2005 to 2006, where they conducted research on quality indicators in the hospital setting.

Prior to that, Melissa worked at the Infusion Nurses Society as a Publications Manager/Managing Editor from 2001 to 2005. In this role, they directed the marketing communications department and served as the managing editor of the association's clinical journal.

Melissa's early career experience includes working as an Assistant Editor at Bloomberg, L.P from 1997 to 1999, where they were part of the development team for institutional and personal finance books.

Overall, Melissa Hafner's work experience spans various research, policy, and editorial roles, demonstrating their expertise in healthcare research and policy analysis.

Melissa Hafner has a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree in Health Policy Analysis from the University of Chicago. Melissa also holds a Graduate Certification in Health Policy and Management from the same institution. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English/History at Rutgers University. Additionally, Melissa participated in a summer abroad program in English Literature Studies at the University of Oxford.