Jessica Benson-Yang

Jessica Benson-Yang currently serves as the Interim Deputy Director of Data and Evaluation for the State of Maine, a position held since October 2022, while also working as a Research Supervisor. In addition to this role, Jessica has been a consultant since August 2017, collaborating with community partners on research focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social justice. Jessica's previous experience includes serving as an Assistant Professor at Winthrop University, where responsibilities included course development and chairing the anti-racism and curriculum committees. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Denver, research involved restorative justice in public schools. Earlier roles include a Case Manager at Caldwell County DSS and a Graduate Research Assistant at Appalachian State University, focusing on LGBTQ+ research. Jessica holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Denver and a Master of Social Work from Appalachian State University, along with a Bachelor of Social Work.