Michelle Woods

Michelle Woods serves as the Vice President of State-Federal Affairs at the National Conference of State Legislatures since November 2025. Prior to this role, Michelle held various leadership positions at RAND from January 2022 to November 2025, including Vice President of the Homeland Security Research Division and Director of the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center. Experience also includes Program Director for Homeland Security at the National Governors Association and multiple roles within the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, culminating as Director for Homeland Security. A background in analysis stems from a tenure at the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Senior Analyst. Michelle's early career includes working as a Special Assistant to the Secretary in the Kentucky Office of the Secretary of State and serving as a Graduate Fellow. Educational credentials include a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications from Western Kentucky University.