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.
State 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…
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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…
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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…
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Diapers, Asbestos, and Antisemitism—Welcome to Philadelphia Public Schools
Originally published in The Washington Times. “I believe every child of God deserves a shot here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Gov. …
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WATCH: Megan Martin on PCN Discussing State Budget, Mass Transit Bail-out, and More
Megan Martin, Commonwealth Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, joins PCN’s Capitol Preview to talk all things state budget. From public transit to Lifeline Scholarships, Martin outlines what good…
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Where Is Gov. Shapiro’s Leadership on the State Budget?
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro once said, “Leaders have a responsibility to speak truth.” Yet, truth be told, the governor’s lack of leadership on this…
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Gov. Shapiro Needs to Serve Students, Not Supporters
Two years ago, Governor Josh Shapiro boldly promised to save Pennsylvania’s children trapped in failing schools. When asked on Fox News about the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS), also…
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Shapiro Must Lead, Not Litigate
Originally published by PennLive. Gov. Josh Shapiro seems less interested in governing and more interested in reliving his days as attorney general. A federal judge recently …
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Republicans are Keeping Their School Choice Promise
Originally published by the Washington Examiner. Republicans in Washington are on the verge of keeping a historic promise to America’s families. In the “one big, beautiful bill” that…
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Read More: Republicans are Keeping Their School Choice PromiseEnergy
State High Court Should Confirm Unconstitutionality of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Originally published by LNP/Lancaster Online. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday on Pennsylvania’s controversial and unconstitutional membership in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This multistate cap-and-trade program—illegally…
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Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assembly
Originally published at The Patriot-News Pennsylvania lawmakers swore their oath of office in Harrisburg, and a new legislative session is upon us. As two former…
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