Porter McConnell: A Trailblazing Policy Strategist Reshaping Financial Justice and Global Development
Porter McConnell is a highly respected policy strategist, campaign leader, and expert communicator known for her ability to translate complex financial and governance issues into compelling, accessible language. With more than two decades of experience in public policy, financial transparency, economic justice, and international development, she has established herself as a dynamic force across Washington, DC and beyond. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to building fairer systems for working families, strengthening democratic accountability, and advancing global development.
As of 2025, Porter McConnell works as an Independent Consultant at MPM Strategic Services, offering strategic planning, policy research, campaign design, and theory of change facilitation. Her extensive experience and powerful advocacy record make her one of the most influential voices in modern financial reform movements.
Early Career Foundations of Porter McConnell
Academic Background – University of Michigan and Williams College
Porter McConnell holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, where she specialised in public management, programme evaluation, economics, benefit–cost analysis, international health, and foreign policy analysis. She served as a Graduate Student Instructor and played a pivotal role in the Ethiopia Economic Development Programme, editing a major report and authoring a chapter on refugees and internally displaced persons.
Before her postgraduate studies, she completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours at Williams College, double majoring in Political Science and History. During her time there, she founded the Williams Voter Information Service, worked as a Teaching Assistant, and wrote her thesis on urban revitalisation and public housing in Louisville, Kentucky.
These academic achievements laid the groundwork for her exceptional analytical and strategic expertise.
Porter McConnell’s Leadership in Global Development and Governance
Early Professional Roles and International Work
Porter began her professional journey working with organisations dedicated to development and social justice. Her roles included:
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Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts State Senate
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Programme Analyst at CAP Charitable Services
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Internships with USAID and Fundación Humanitaria Costarricense
At the William Davidson Institute, she coordinated an NGO alliance across Latin America, building a network of 25 NGOs adopting social enterprise models. Based in Bogotá, Colombia, she managed training, monitoring strategies, conferences, and multilingual communications. This period strengthened her cross-cultural leadership and international governance experience.
Porter McConnell and Her Influential Work at Oxfam America
Policy Advisor and Manager in Aid Effectiveness
From 2007 to 2012, Porter served as Policy Advisor and later Policy and Advocacy Manager at Oxfam America. Her responsibilities included:
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Producing vital policy research
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Leading analysis of global health initiatives, including PEPFAR and the US Global Health Initiative
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Representing Oxfam at major global summits, including the G8 and G20
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Engaging policymakers and senior officials to strengthen development outcomes for vulnerable populations
Her work positioned Oxfam as a prominent voice on reforming US foreign aid and improving accountability in development finance.
Director of the Financial Transparency Coalition
Porter McConnell’s Leadership During the Panama Papers Era
From 2013 to 2017, Porter McConnell served as Director of the Financial Transparency Coalition, guiding a global network of governments, experts, and organisations working to combat illicit financial flows. During her leadership, the coalition was at the forefront of global discussions on tax abuse and financial secrecy, particularly during the release of the Panama Papers and subsequent investigations.
She:
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Managed teams across Washington, Brussels, and Delhi
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Increased organisational funding by 60%
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Brought new Global South voices onto the governing board
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Introduced key decision-making processes
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Executed a highly successful strategic plan
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Contributed to major media platforms including NPR, The Guardian, Voice of America, Fusion, Reuters, and Daily Nation Kenya
Her work significantly advanced international awareness of financial opacity and its impact on developing countries.
Porter McConnell’s Transformative Work at Take On Wall Street
Senior Director Fighting for Economic Justice
From 2017 to 2025, Porter held one of her most influential roles as Senior Director of Take On Wall Street at Americans for Financial Reform. In this role, she led a broad coalition uniting labour unions, national advocates, and grassroots organisations. Her work focused on challenging the political power of Wall Street and promoting a financial system that prioritises working people of all backgrounds.
Key achievements include:
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Leading campaigns to close the carried interest loophole
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Supporting public banking movements in New York and California
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Driving postal banking organising in numerous US cities
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Organising national webinars and congressional briefings on corporate governance issues
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Launching and staffing the Save the Post Office Coalition, which grew to over 300 organisations
Her leadership helped shape national debate on stock buybacks, CEO pay, corporate accountability, and worker representation on corporate boards. She also played an essential role in the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022.
Porter McConnell’s Current Role as an Independent Consultant
Strategic Advisor, Researcher, and Campaign Builder
Since April 2025, Porter McConnell has operated as an Independent Consultant with MPM Strategic Services. She now offers:
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Policy research
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Strategic planning
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Theory of change facilitation
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Campaign development
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Fundraising strategy
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Clear and compelling communication support
Her expertise continues to influence national and global conversations on financial fairness, transparency, and economic reform.
Conclusion
Porter McConnell’s career reflects unwavering dedication to justice, accountability, and democratic participation. From global development work to high-impact financial reform advocacy, she has consistently championed systems that uplift working families and promote transparency. Today, as an independent consultant, she continues to shape policy debates and empower campaigns striving for a fairer and more equitable world.
