Teryn Zmuda

Chief Economist, National Association of Counties (NACo)

Teryn Zmuda is a nationally recognized thought leader at the intersection of public policy, economic strategy, and cross-sector innovation. With nearly two decades of experience guiding strategic research and advising top federal and local leaders, she is known for translating complexity into clarity—and policy into action.

Teryn has played a direct role in shaping and implementing landmark federal initiatives, including the CARES Act, ARPA, IIJA, and IRA. A trusted advisor to policy-makers and influencers, she brings deep insight into how systems work—and how to make them work better. Her expertise spans intergovernmental finance, workforce and infrastructure strategy, and economic recovery, with a proven record of influencing legislation and program design that reaches all corners of the nation.

Whether she’s advising, keynoting, or collaborating with think tanks and philanthropies, Teryn builds bridges between ideas and implementation. With her leadership at the National Association of Counties (NACo), the organization has catalyzed national centers of research, secured meaningful partnerships, and steered policy ecosystems.

A trained economist and sociologist with an M.A. from George Washington University and a forthcoming Ph.D. in Public Policy, Teryn combines analytic rigor with human-centered insight. She serves on national advisory boards, speaks widely across industries, and is committed to mentoring rising public sector leaders. Her voice has been featured in NPR, Bloomberg, Politico, CNN, and more.

Teryn brings the ability to zoom out to strategy and zoom in to impact—exactly the kind of presence that shapes conversations and futures.