Lara M. Brown is an American political scientist who served as director of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University between 2016 and 2022.^[1][2]

Brown was born and brought up in California. She obtained a BA, MA and PhD in political sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles. Subsequently she also obtained an MA in American politics and public policy from the University of Arizona.^[1]

Brown started her career in academics and eventually served as an assistant professor at Villanova University.^[3] She then served as an education policy and public affairs consultant in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles for some time and later returned into academics, also serving in the Department of Education in President Bill Clinton's administration.^[4]

Brown is considered to be an expert in presidential campaigns and elections^[10] and thus frequently features in different media, commenting on and writing about politics, elections and governance.^{[11][12][13][14]} She has written blog posts for The New York Times, Politico, The Hill, The Huffington Post and regularly contributes to U.S. News & World Report's Thomas Jefferson Street blog.^[15]

Brown served on the board of directors of The New Agenda, an organization focused on advancing women rights.^[16]

Brown is a distinguished author and a dedicated scholar. She has authored, co-authored, edited and contributed to a variety of books and scientific publications.

Brown is married to Major Garrett. The couple lives in Washington, D.C.^[19]