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Derek Martin

Founder and President, Pathfinder Research

As Founder and President of Pathfinder Research, Derek Martin brings 15 years of investigative expertise to the intersection of politics, advocacy, and public accountability.

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Derek began his career as a Democratic opposition research consultant, supporting independent expenditure efforts in a variety of states, including gubernatorial races in Missouri, Arkansas and Maine; Senate contests in Kentucky and Pennsylvania; and legislative elections in Florida and New Jersey. His meticulous approach to research – once going so far as to pull recorded votes from handwritten city council minutes dating to the 1970s – has helped candidates win at all levels.

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Derek then transitioned to federal service, conducting supply chain counterintelligence at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he further developed his investigative skills and protected critical government IT infrastructure from foreign threats. After his government service, Derek was on the small team that launched Accountable.US, helping build it into one of the nation's premier government watchdogs, which even the architects of Project 2025 warned was incredibly effective.

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Today, through Pathfinder Research, Derek helps progressive campaigns and policy advocates navigate Washington's evolving landscape and uncover innovative paths to success. His expertise and insights on public accountability issues have been featured in major national outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico. His work is further enhanced by his position on the board of Campaign for Accountability and his extensive network within progressive advocacy circles and Capitol Hill.​

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