Joni Finney is a policy analyst, researcher, and university instructor with extensive experience working with state leaders to improve educational opportunity and achievement for the next generation of Americans. Dr. Finney’s professional experience focuses on how state finance, governance, and accountability policies can be used to improve higher education’s performance and expand educational and workforce opportunities. Finney pioneered the nation's first state-by-state higher education report card, Measuring Up.  She has led national studies and conducted in-depth state studies of higher education.

Finney has worked with state legislators, appointed state officials, and testified before the U.S Congress. She is a resource for media outlets. She has provided information and insight for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, and regional and local news outlets.