Jessica A. Lee, PhD is an experienced strategist specializing in qualitative research, thoughtful problem solving, strategy development, and strategic messaging.

She began her career as an associate fellow at the Brookings Institution, first with the Metropolitan Policy Program and then with the Brookings Centennial Scholar Initiative. During her five years at Brookings, she developed expertise in a wide range of subject areas, including inclusive economic growth, manufacturing, workforce development, STEM education, and peer learning facilitation. Prior to joining Brookings, Jessica was a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she worked in the Public and Indian Housing budget office.

In her subsequent work as an associate director at Intentional Futures, a Seattle-based strategy and design consultancy, Jessica led consulting engagements for clients such as Gates Ventures, Pivotal Ventures, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Aspen Institute Center for Urban Innovation. These projects expanded her expert knowledge on regulatory innovation, placemaking, global women’s economic empowerment, digital healthcare, and many other topics.

She has had work published in a variety of national and regional outlets, including The Washington Post, CityLab, and CNN Global Public Square.

Jessica holds a BA in history from Stanford University and an MA and PhD in history from the University of Washington. Her training as a historian informs all of her work and provides the historical context necessary for effective problem solving.