The APPAM Policy Council sets the organization’s policy and strategy. 

Bullinger was elected as an academic researcher. 

“It’s a great privilege to serve the APPAM community and perform the strategic work to advance its mission,” Bullinger said. “I am delighted to elevate my service to my ‘home’ organization, one that I care about so deeply.” 

 The council meets two times a year, and each member serves on at least one of APPAM’s committees. 

APPAM seeks to improve public policy and management through research, analysis, and education. It hosts an annual research conference, most recently held in Atlanta, publishes a peer-reviewed journal, and engages with policymakers and students. 

Bullinger’s research primarily focuses on how public policies affect children’s and families’ health and well-being, particularly those from low-income families. She has conducted extensive research on topics such as the effects of opioid treatment programs on child well-being, the impact of the minimum wage on child maltreatment and parenting behaviors, and the association of expanded child tax credit payments with child abuse and neglect-related emergency room visits. 

Her work has been published in numerous prestigious journals, including the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, JAMA Pediatrics, Health Affairs, the Journal of Health Economics, and Review of Economics of the Household, among others. 

She has received funding for her work from organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy, the Spencer Foundation, and the Pew Charitable Trusts.