Judith Lynch, Ph.D. has been a board member of the Jefferson Educational Society since its inception and served as its first chairwoman. She is the Jefferson’s inaugural Decadean Scholar. From 2004 to 2017, Dr. Lynch served as Associate Professor of Political Science and History at Mercyhurst University, and from 2002 to 2004, she taught at Allegheny College and was part of the Civic Engagement Institute. Prior, she worked as an analyst for the CIA and served for 20 years as Erie County Executive. She received her Doctorate with Distinction in Political Science in 2001 from the University of Pittsburgh and her M.A. in Social Studies from Gannon University. Her undergraduate degree, a B.A. in History and Political Science, is from George Washington University.