Elsa Nygard joined FOCUS as a Policy Analyst in June 2022, currently specializing in the tracking and analysis of real estate, mortgage, foreclosure and housing-related issues. Elsa is both an independent worker and a strong team player, in addition to being an excellent researcher and writer.   

She joined the FOCUS team upon graduation from Drew University in New Jersey, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Minors in American Studies, Art History, and Medieval Studies in 2021. During her time at Drew, the Baldwin Honors Scholar gained experience as a Library Circulation Assistant and Supervisor and as a Writing Fellow. She also interned with Winning Strategies Washington, monitoring and reporting on Congressional hearings and assisting on projects concerning energy, environmental and infrastructure policy. She also gained campaign experience volunteering for former Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray’s campaign for Governor.  

Elsa was born in Windsor, England, but spent most of her youth in Burke, Vermont; she has also lived in Nice, France and Vienna, Virginia, and she is a dual citizen between the U.S. and Finland. Outside of work, Elsa is a passionate Formula 1 fan. She occupies herself in their off-season with cooking, baking and reading big history novels.