When Mattea Kramer sets her mind to something, you had better watch out.

After more than two years leading National Priorities Project's research team, she's leaping forward to the next adventure on her exquisite journey.

Around NPP, Mattea's known as a heavy lifter, responsible for some of NPP's most important work on taxes, the budget process, military, earned benefits, and more.

If you've used the Cost of National Security counters, read A People's Guide to the Federal Budget, generated your tax receipt, or scrolled through NPP's YouTube channel, you've experienced some of the fruits of her efforts.

Mattea has been central to NPP's rapid transformation and expansion. She leaves NPP strong and ready for new challenges. And while we're a research shop and the quality of our work is paramount, let me devote the rest of this celebration of Mattea Kramer to Mattea the stellar human.

Simply put, Mattea "lifts all boats" with her kindness, generosity, loyalty, faith, candor, humor, and example of a life well-lived. She's a stunning wordsmith with a keen intellect -- a bold and courageous thought-leader in a male-dominated field. She's an athlete, gardener, reader, cook, naturalist, dog lover, wife, daughter, sister, and a dear friend to many.

I speak for NPP's entire staff, board of directors, and all our interns when I say that she'll be sorely missed at NPP -- even though our cheers will follow her in the days ahead.

Bon voyage, Mattea!