Warning! Your browser is extremely outdated and not web standards compliant.
Your browsing experience would greatly improve by upgrading to a modern browser.

Mark McMullen

Vice President of Policy & Research

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Mark McMullen brings a wealth of expertise to CSI, having served as the longest-tenured Chief Economist for the State of Oregon under three governors. Serving under a fourth governor as interim Chief Economist his first year, Mark accumulated 14 years of invaluable experience in the governor’s office. Before joining CSI, Mark held prominent roles, including Director of Consulting at Moody’s Analytics and researcher at the Congressional Budget Office. He earned his undergraduate degree from Pomona College and completed his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mark’s dedication to Oregon extends beyond his professional career. He chaired the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and contributed to task forces addressing critical issues such as wildfires, COVID response, and student success. Additionally, he actively participated in various economic organizations, including the Workforce and Talent Development Board, Oregon Council of Economic Education, Oregon Government Finance Officers Association, and Oregon Banker’s Association.

With strong ties to Oregon’s heritage, Mark’s family roots in farming and timber work have shaped his understanding of the state’s economic landscape. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Mark finds joy in his 27-year marriage and cherishes time spent with his three adult children.

Expert's Work
View All
Jobs & Our Economy
Oregon Jobs and Labor Force Update - May 2026

Oregon's labor market showed tentative signs of stabilization in May 2026, adding 3,600 nonfarm payroll jobs for a second consecutive monthly gain, led by Other Services and Professional and Business Servic

Jobs & Our Economy
Inflation in the Pacific Region-May 2026

Consumer prices in the Pacific region rose 3.5 percent over the 12 months ending in May 2026, below the national average of 4.2 percent — the highest rate since April 2023. Energy was the dominant driver, u

Jobs & Our Economy
Oregon Jobs and Labor Force Update - April 2026

Oregon's labor market showed tentative signs of stabilization in April 2026, with total nonfarm payroll employment gaining 500 jobs after months of consecutive losses, though gains remained narrow and conce

Jobs & Our Economy
Oregon Jobs and Labor Force Update - March 2026

Oregon shed 4,800 jobs in March 2026, extending a streak of labor market softening after a significant BLS benchmark revision revised the state's post-pandemic employment picture downward. While headline in

Healthcare
Data suggests cost of fentanyl to Oregon hospitals in the billions
KCBY

The research looked at OHA data to determine the cost of overdose deaths to the state's medical system.

June 27, 2024 Mark McMullen
State economist reflects on 14 years on the job
Portland Tribune

For Mark McMullen, who just wrapped up more than 13 years as Oregon’s state economist, coming to Oregon was both difficult and easy.

June 19, 2024 Mark McMullen
Say goodbye to the state economist who is 'always wrong'
Oregon Capital Insider

After a dozen years of always being wrong, McMullen is heading out the state government door.

May 30, 2024 Mark McMullen
Taxes & Fees
Another ‘kicker’ tax refund could be in the works for Oregon taxpayers
OPB

Economists cautioned that the potential of a $582 million refund was still shaky, with warning signs on the horizon.

May 29, 2024 Mark McMullen
Ballot Issues
The Potential Impacts of Oregon Ballot Measure 118 featuring Lynn Snodgrass

This November Oregon voters will decide on Ballot Measure 118.

September 16, 2024 Mark McMullen
Introducing Common Sense Institute Oregon featuring Mark McMullen

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Tune in for more information.

June 25, 2024 Mark McMullen