Role
As chief evangelist for Apex’s approach to evaluation, I lead a passionate pursuit of our vision: Evaluation that Works. I cultivate and nurture new and existing relationships with organizations that are addressing barriers to academic, health, and social success for vulnerable children, youth, and their families. There is a growing interest in our systems approach to evaluation and the systems we build to make data useful.
Our approach to evaluation is always evolving, emphasizing adaptation and agility, efficiency and practicality, integration of evaluation and implementation, effective data visualization, and facilitation of systems thinking. The approach extends to data systems including web and mobile apps that support effective data collection and, more importantly, use of data. The approach reflects a desire and belief that evaluation and data can lead to more effective implementation of programs, which, in turn, leads to thriving. Thriving programs. Thriving organizations. Thriving communities and people.
The great work we do at Apex is a result of the amazing team of professionals we have assembled. I spend a significant amount of my energy ensuring they have the capacity and support to carry out our mission.
Background and Education
I founded Apex in 1999. Other than a brief post-collegiate attempt at trying to be a race car driver, grantsmanship and program evaluation are all I’ve ever done. I have over 25 years of experience in program planning, evaluation, and facilitation. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration.
Our work at Apex is influenced by theories and methods that include systems thinking, developmental evaluation, principles-focused evaluation, utilization-focused evaluation, participatory evaluation, Results-Based Accountability™, and cultural responsiveness. I strive to make those theories work in the real world – in ways that make data useful and bridge the gaps that often exist between theory and practice, and between research and reality.
I am a member of New Mexico Evaluators, and serve on the Board of Trustees for the Con Alma Health Foundation. I can make almost any conversation about IndyCar racing, including those that involve evaluation. I still dream of being the oldest rookie ever at the Indy 500.