As Director, Sarah Bryner manages and executes a portfolio of research-to-action projects. Prior to Public Agenda, served as Director of Research & Strategy at OpenSecrets, where she led a 14-person research team to drive initiatives focused on democratic accountability. Additionally, as an independent consultant, she partnered with the Brennan Center for Justice to help shape their 2025 democracy agenda. Bryner brings a diverse toolkit of methodological skills and a track record of developing accessible, public-facing research products.

Bryner holds a PhD in political science from The Ohio State University and is a leading expert on political corruption and the role of money in American politics. As a trusted commentator on campaign finance and political transparency, she has appeared in outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and Marketplace.