Maria Kearl

Policy Analyst

Maria Kearl serves as a Policy Analyst in the NGA Center for Best Practices. In this role, she works on numerous projects, including criminal justice policy issues, violent crime mitigation, juvenile justice, and substance use disorder treatment for justice-involved populations.

Prior to joining the National Governors Association, Maria worked as a Policy Counsel for Shared Hope International, where she supported legislative advocacy efforts benefiting victims of child sex trafficking. She has also served as Director of Federal Government Affairs with Arizona State University’s Graduate and Professional Student Association. Additional experience includes externship placements with the New Mexico Lt. Governors’ Office and the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines.

Maria earned her concurrent bachelor’s degree in psychology and classical studies, and her J.D. from Arizona State University. She is a licensed attorney in Washington, DC.