Megan Martin
Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
Megan Martin is a seasoned executive, legal and public policy professional dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Pennsylvania. Her broad expertise encompasses state and federal administrative law and litigation, constitutional law, appellate advocacy, legislative processes and procedures, government contracting, and a wide array of complex legal and policy matters.
Megan is the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of the Commonwealth Foundation, Pennsylvania’s free market think tank. As a strategic executive leader, she directs key organizational functions including Public Affairs, Policy, Government Affairs, Human Resources, and Legal Strategy—driving operational excellence and integrating cross-functional teams around a shared vision.
Megan’s work is grounded in the principles of educational choice, free enterprise, individual liberty, and limited government. She champions stewardship, integrity, and the belief that people matter—building systems that promote accountability, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. Megan is passionate about cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in servant leadership and values-based management. Whether aligning strategy across departments or enhancing internal communication, she focuses on clarity, collaboration, and principled impact.
Prior to joining the Commonwealth Foundation, Megan was the vice president and general counsel of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the state’s largest business advocacy organization, with nearly 10,000 members. Before that, Megan broke the glass ceiling at the Pennsylvania Senate to become the first and only woman to serve as the Secretary-Parliamentarian. Her reputation for innovation, success, and fiscal responsibility—underlined by fair and impartial conduct while leading the 80-member team—resulted in the Senate unanimously electing her as Secretary-Parliamentarian five times.
Notably, Megan’s distinguished three-decade career of service includes all three branches of state government, as an attorney for the U.S. Navy, and serving in the private sector and academia. Her work evidences a deep, one-of-a-kind understanding of Harrisburg’s complex legislative process and a proven track record in legal and regulatory compliance, as well as the policy and operational issues facing Pennsylvania’s state government, businesses, and citizens.
Education
Pennsylvania’s Best Education Idea Turns 25
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. A quarter century ago, Pennsylvania quietly did something remarkable: created a scholarship program that gave low- and middle-income families an opportunity…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Best Education Idea Turns 25Welfare
Pennsylvania Welfare Fraud Robs the Truly Needy
Originally published by the Reading Eagle. Welfare fraud is on the rise and is rampant in Pennsylvania. Nationally, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported $186 billion…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania Welfare Fraud Robs the Truly NeedyEnergy
Pennsylvanians Need Energy Affordability, Not Governor Shapiro’s Legal Antics
Originally published by Delco Times. When Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania would join a multistate lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency, he no doubt expected applause.
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvanians Need Energy Affordability, Not Governor Shapiro’s Legal AnticsState Budget
[MEDIA] Megan Martin Talks State Budget on PCN’s ‘Capitol Watch’
In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $53.26 billion budget that will worsen the state’s deficit to over $6.5 billion while failing to address key issues like educational choice and…
Media Hit
Read More: [MEDIA] Megan Martin Talks State Budget on PCN’s ‘Capitol Watch’Regulation
Pennsylvania Is Losing Businesses and Workers. These Commonsense Solutions Will Bring Them Back.
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Sadly, one of the nation’s biggest employers is closing in Pennsylvania. Saks & Company recently announced plans to shut down…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania Is Losing Businesses and Workers. These Commonsense Solutions Will Bring Them Back.Regulation
Pennsylvania’s Economy Will Grow When Harrisburg Gets Out of the Way
Originally published by The Mercury. Gov. Josh Shapiro often brags about “moving at the speed of business.” But his efforts to draw private investment to Pennsylvania rely heavily on corporate…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Economy Will Grow When Harrisburg Gets Out of the WayEducation
PA Pioneered School Choice. Now We Must Finish What We Started
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. With National School Choice Week upon us, we must reflect on our successes and challenges in expanding educational options across our great…
Media Hit
Read More: PA Pioneered School Choice. Now We Must Finish What We StartedHealth Care
Minnesota’s Medicaid Disaster is a Warning Pennsylvania Must Heed
Originally published by PennLive. Minnesota’s recent Medicaid scandal—where dozens of individuals defrauded taxpayers of at least $9 billion—is a debacle that should…
Commentary
Read More: Minnesota’s Medicaid Disaster is a Warning Pennsylvania Must HeedEducation
A Nation That Can’t Explain 1776 Urgently Needs a Civic Education Revival
Originally published by The American Spectator. Why did the United States of America declare its independence from England in 1776? If you know the answer to…
Media Hit
Read More: A Nation That Can’t Explain 1776 Urgently Needs a Civic Education RevivalEducation
What Pennsylvania Lawmakers Must Prioritize in 2026
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Pennsylvania stands at a pivotal moment. Families are stretched thin by higher costs, and employers are weighing whether to invest here or elsewhere. We can’t…
Commentary
Read More: What Pennsylvania Lawmakers Must Prioritize in 2026Education
Shapiro Should Opt in to New Federal Scholarship Program
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis surprised many when he announced his intentions to opt in to a new federal scholarship program…
Media Hit
Read More: Shapiro Should Opt in to New Federal Scholarship Program
Josh Shapiro Lost His Own Government Shutdown
Originally published by The Wall Street Journal. Some herald Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as the future of the Democratic Party. But in a budget battle in his own…
Media Hit
Read More: Josh Shapiro Lost His Own Government ShutdownGovernment Accountability
All Eyes Are on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Integrity is doing the right thing—even if nobody is watching. However, after this month’s election, it’s clear that Pennsylvanians are watching. Our…
Media Hit
Read More: All Eyes Are on the Pennsylvania Supreme CourtEnergy
Pennsylvania’s Future Looks Much Brighter Without RGGI
Orginally published by PennLive. The future of Pennsylvania energy looks bright—especially after lawmakers ended the threat of what could have been a devastating carbon tax.
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Future Looks Much Brighter Without RGGIState Budget
Sen. Fetterman Shows Gov. Shapiro What Bipartisan Leadership Looks Like
Originally published by LNP Online. Unfortunately for the people of the commonwealth, Gov. Josh Shapiro has openly embraced government shutdowns—both in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. Not…
Media Hit
Read More: Sen. Fetterman Shows Gov. Shapiro What Bipartisan Leadership Looks Like
Education Tax Credits Are a Lifeline for Low-Income Families
Originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh isn’t just a school. It’s a sanctuary of hope and safety, a place that nurtures dreams…
Media Hit
Read More: Education Tax Credits Are a Lifeline for Low-Income FamiliesEducation
Students Trapped in Violent Schools Need an Escape
Originally published by Broad + Liberty. Violence terrorized students at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh. A student armed with a knife stabbed three other students—two of them…
Media Hit
Read More: Students Trapped in Violent Schools Need an EscapeState Budget
Shapiro Failed to Protect PA from Budget Stalemates
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. The people of Pennsylvania are now enduring a “double whammy”—a state budget that is more than three months past due, plus a…
Media Hit
Read More: Shapiro Failed to Protect PA from Budget StalematesState Budget
Pennsylvania Has a Budget Deficit. So Why Are Taxpayers Funding Lobbyists?
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Should Pennsylvania taxpayers fund political lobbying efforts for taxpayer-funded organizations lobbying for more taxpayer funds? Not only is this practice misguided, but it’s also fundamentally wrong, blurring…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania Has a Budget Deficit. So Why Are Taxpayers Funding Lobbyists?
When Our Republic Stops Talking
Originally published in Broad + Liberty. America lost a faith-filled husband, father, and patriot. For many, there will be a permanent hole in their hearts and a void in their…
Media Hit
Read More: When Our Republic Stops TalkingEnergy
Electricity Bills Too High? Bad Energy Policies Are to Blame.
Originally published by RealClearEnergy. Hot enough for you? If this muggy Pennsylvania heat doesn’t have you sweating, your monthly electricity bills will. Power usage surged during…
Media Hit
Read More: Electricity Bills Too High? Bad Energy Policies Are to Blame.