Peter Mayer

Background

About Peter Mayer

I believe in second chances, in the power of good data, and in the responsibility we have to build policies that reflect both. I work at the intersection of research and reform to help shape data-driven policies that expand opportunity, reduce harm, and support safer, more just communities. At FWD.us, I lead research and analysis in support of state and national efforts to safely reduce incarceration. I design and manage projects that turn complex datasets into accessible, actionable insights for advocates, lawmakers, and the public—whether that’s analyzing sentencing trends, estimating the economic toll of incarceration on families, or translating polling into strategy. I bring a deep commitment to rigor and clarity in my work, along with experience managing tight timelines, shifting priorities, and high-stakes deliverables. Before entering policy, I held roles in operations, leadership, and direct service that taught me how to work across teams, adapt quickly, and get things done. I’m proficient in Stata and experienced in cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing large datasets. I also use Python for light scripting and data tasks, and have limited exposure to R. My background includes both quantitative and qualitative research, and I’m comfortable adapting code and tools to meet the needs of different projects. I hold a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School, where I focused on criminal justice, national security, research methods, and statistics. I bring grit, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose to everything I do. My lived experience has shaped my belief in second chances, and I strive to approach both data and policy with open-mindedness and honesty—challenging assumptions, listening across differences, and staying grounded in what the evidence shows.