Martha Snyder

PARTNER

Martha Snyder is an education policy specialist with high-level experience working with federal, state and institutional leaders. Martha provides leadership across the postsecondary team on several major projects and clients. Martha contributes to the postsecondary team on issues of equitable postsecondary finance policies, affordable student pathways and K-12 to postsecondary transitions. She has served several of the firm's largest clients, including foundations, state systems of higher education and university and college systems, and leads a portfolio focused on postsecondary transformation. 

Martha has a strong understanding of the role state-level leadership plays in advancing strong policies that lead to growth and innovation. This perspective has been an important foundation to Martha’s work with state policymakers. 

A national leader on postsecondary finance issues, Martha brings a deep understanding of state finance policy and research to her work. Across the U.S. Martha has worked with state leaders, including state legislators and higher education policy officials, to facilitate the development, grounded in research-based expertise, student-centered funding recommendations and related strategic higher education policies. She has been asked to present to several state legislatures and has helped facilitate numerous state processes focused on implementing student-centered funding models for postsecondary institutions. Martha seeks to foster broad engagement in these processes while anchoring them in a commitment to student-centered policies and equity. 

Her work on other educational issues is also grounded in gaining a deep understanding of the policy landscape. A leading member of HCM’s policy team, Martha helps to oversee the collection, evaluation and analysis of policy developments ranging from financial aid and affordability, to dual enrollment policies and practices as well as workforce-aligned pathways and short-term credentials. This work serves as an anchor to several foundations and helps anchor work with state policymakers. 

Before her tenure at HCM, Martha worked as a senior policy advisor at the United States Department of Education, focusing on K-12 accountability, high school reform and special education. She also served as an associate director for The White House Domestic Policy Council, developing budget priorities and providing analysis and counsel on all federal education issues.

A believer in the link between higher education and economic success, Martha has worked both personally and professionally to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged students. She serves as the chair of two charter schools and has volunteered her time to tutor students and engage in reading programs. 

Martha lives with her husband and four children in Buffalo, New York. She is an avid runner, having completed 20 marathons. Martha brings her enthusiasm for sports to the sidelines, coaching or cheering on her children and always pulling for her beloved Buffalo sports teams.

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