As President of Applied Survey Research (ASR), I lead a nonprofit organization that has focused for over 45 years on using data as a tool for improving community well-being. Our work centers on applied research and evaluation in areas such as homelessness, early childhood development, and broader community conditions that shape quality of life. We partner with public agencies, nonprofits, and foundations to generate actionable insights that inform policy and practice. Our research includes program and system evaluation, strategic planning, program design, program evaluation, and data reporting.
At the heart of our approach is the belief that data is only useful if it reflects real experiences and leads to meaningful change. That means being intentional about who is included, how information is gathered, and how it is used. Ultimately, our work is grounded in a commitment to improving wellbeing for all and ensuring that everyone has what they need to thrive.
2. How has being a part of ISQOLS benefited your work/research?
Being part of ISQOLS has been valuable in connecting our community-based work to a broader, global conversation about quality of life. It reinforces the importance of looking beyond single measures toward a more complete understanding of wellbeing.
As a community-based participatory team working to help build better communities, we value rigorous community research while ensuring that participants are meaningfully included in every aspect of our work. A public health approach further ensures that we place healing at the center of everything we accomplish through our data-driven strategies and partnerships. I stand for wellbeing for all, which means upholding strong protections guided by ASR’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) while maximizing the critical role that community inclusion plays across the entire research cycle.
Being a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize from its earliest phase has strengthened our national connections and deepened our learning alongside a network that has now grown to 72 communities. This recognition has also led to the honor of representing the state of California in the national health equity narrative team developed through the University of Wisconsin County Health Rankings & Roadmaps initiative. These experiences continue to ensure that ASR embeds equity in all aspects of its community research and action, while advancing the influence of the health equity narrative.
Finally, our connection to the OECD, and particularly the WISE team, helps ensure that advancing wellbeing for all people, globally, remains at the forefront of our work.
3. If you look at our Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which group(s) does your research most closely relate to? (And may we connect you with that group?)
I have long been a member and supporter of the Community Indicators Consortium (CIC), indeed, since its inception. When ISQOLS incorporated CIC, it opened the door to a much deeper relationship, one that closely reflects the work and values we hold. Through this connection, I have come to truly appreciate the global reach and promise of ISQOLS, and I remain committed to ensuring that community-based participatory research continues to be a central part of its work.
My research most closely aligns with SIGs focused on community indicators, applied research, and the use of quality-of-life data to inform policy and practice, particularly where there is a strong emphasis on community engagement and inclusion.
The practitioner highlights, webinars, virtual conference, annual conference, and publications, as well as the quality and leadership of the board, staff, and members, continue to enliven and enrich my work. Thank you for including us. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow through the ISQOLS network of dedicated researchers, and I would welcome connection with relevant SIGs.
