Sam Elkin is a Principal Associate at MEF Associates, a small business that conducts evaluation, research, and analysis of social programs. His work has covered areas that include employment and training programs, refugee programs, fatherhood programs, financial capability interventions, and food assistance. Has led projects for various federal agencies, including the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation—all within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—and the Food and Nutrition Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His refugee-focused work has included directing a descriptive study of the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, providing support to the Office of Refugee Resettlement in responding to public comments related to the Unaccompanied Children Program, and contributing to studies of cash assistance and employment services programs for refugees. He holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.