From 1978 through 2015, Dallas Salisbury led the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization producing research on health, savings, retirement, and economic security issues that was utilized by consumers, policymakers, researchers, employers, and the media. Salisbury was often called on to share his expertise on these issues, as evidenced by his service on numerous boards, commissions, and advisory panels associated with organizations — including the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Academy of Human Resources – and by frequent invitations to give congressional testimony.   Salisbury also has authored or co-authored many journal articles as well as five books.

Since retiring from EBRI, Salisbury has worked pro bono to advance the interests of senior citizens, especially those utilizing assisted living facilities.  He founded and served as president of the Long Term Care Quality Alliance, served as a public member on the DC Board for Long Term Care Administration, and is currently a volunteer Ombudsman as part of the DC Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman.  The first project of the Alliance was research that led to stronger DC regulations setting uniform, minimum standards of licensure for assisted living administrators and residences in the District, and expanding resident rights regarding care standards, decision making,  and access to information.

Salisbury holds an M.P.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.  Before joining EBRI, he held full-time positions with a state legislature and several federal agencies.  He has received numerous awards including induction as a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources.