2026–27 Elections

Dr. Curtiss Cobb is Vice President of Central Science, Strategy, and Research at Meta, leading approximately 1,000 scientists and engineers. His career spans academia (as a student and fellow), survey research, and technology operations, focused on improving public opinion and human experience measurement and strengthening measurement standards.

He founded Meta’s Demography and Survey Science team, a leading group that collects millions of global survey responses daily and advances robust survey practice at scale. He has been on teams recognized by AAPOR with the Policy Impact and Innovation Awards and served on its Standards Committee. He has also received awards from the American Statistical Association, participated in NSF-related discussions on the future of survey research, served on an advisory panel for the World Health Organization, and still collaborates with academic partners globally.

Previously, he was Senior Director of Survey Methodology at GfK (Knowledge Networks), supporting consumer, government, and media polling. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University where he learned from and was advised by giants in the field.

Personal Statement

In my career—from my Stanford Ph.D. to roles at GfK and Meta—I have viewed survey research as a scientific craft dedicated to understanding human behavior. This foundation taught me that while our tools evolve, our commitment to rigor, humility, and disciplined interpretation must remain absolute. I bring this “scientific craft” lens to my candidacy for AAPOR President.

We are at a defining moment. AI is not merely a technical shift; it is a fundamental disruption of how we work and how society understands itself. My experience working on the development of AI products has shown me that as our field becomes AI-native, our core purpose is more critical than ever: we are the sense-makers of public opinion. AAPOR must lead to ensure that foundational principles—representative sampling, measurement quality, and ethical responsibility—are hard-coded into these systems, rather than lost to automation.

My insider knowledge of AI from Meta allows me to lead AAPOR in governing these tools to uphold the authenticity of the human narrative and necessary repeatable rigor. Quality is a systematic choice—a lesson I sharpened at GfK/Knowledge Networks while serving journalists, scholars, and public agencies. I believe our value depends on ensuring that the human voice remains the primary driver of progress in an automated age.

As President, I will focus on:

1. Leading the AI-Native Transition: Establishing expert-led standards for AI that prioritize transparency and human-centric rigor.
2. Evolving the Researcher’s Role: Positioning our members as the essential interpreters and sense-makers in an automated world.
3. Cross-Sector Integration: Bridging the gaps between tech and our field to solve shared challenges like data integrity and synthetic information.

I ask for your support to ensure our profession remains the gold standard for understanding a changing world.

Bob Torongo brings extensive leadership experience spanning major research organizations including Ipsos, GfK, Gallup, and WPP. He currently leads Deep Current Insights, a boutique research consultancy.

Bob began his career as an economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, working on programs including the Consumer Price Index and Telephone Point of Purchase Survey. He later held progressive leadership roles in public affairs and government research, culminating as Executive Vice President at Ipsos Public Affairs.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kansas and a master’s in economics from Johns Hopkins University. He has been an active AAPOR volunteer, serving on the Executive Council (2023–2025), as Communications Chair, COPAFS Representative (2025–2026), and on the Governance Committee, Executive Director Search Committee, Abstract Review Committee, Sponsorship Committee, and Virtual Conference Platform Committee. Bob also served on the Insights Association’s Government Affairs and Privacy Committees.

Personal Statement

Over the course of my career, I have focused on research that improves public policy, and I am drawn to AAPOR’s mission-driven purpose. I believe AAPOR is at an inflection point as an organization, and I am seeking this role for the opportunity to support the execution of AAPOR’s mission while building a stronger foundation for the future.

My experience as a growth and strategy executive shapes how I approach this moment. I believe it is critical for AAPOR to continue delivering for our members, our stakeholders, the news media, and the public, while also reflecting honestly on where we take the organization next and what kind of association we want to be. Given rapid changes in our industry, the evolving landscape of federal research and data programs, and emerging challenges and opportunities such as AI, AAPOR would benefit from a period of thoughtful self-examination to understand how our core mission can add value in a shifting context.

I have deep respect for AAPOR’s traditions and for the colleagues I have worked alongside. I do not seek to break what is working. But I do want to explore how we can strengthen our reach, our relevance, and our financial footing. If elected, I plan to pursue two key initiatives. First, I would establish a membership subcommittee to explore how AAPOR can thoughtfully expand into adjacent disciplines and become a professional home for a broader community of practitioners. Second, I would create a grant-seeking subcommittee to pursue third-party funding that enables AAPOR to support and expand our impact across programmatic areas without placing additional burden on existing members.

Both initiatives are rooted in financial stewardship. We need a robust pipeline of new members and sustainable financing so that AAPOR can continue to play a pivotal role shaping the future of public opinion research. I would be honored to help lead that effort.

Hanyu Sun is an Associate Vice President for Statistics and Data Science at Westat with more than 15 years of experience in survey methodology. She leads methodological work for large federal and non-federal studies, specializing in the design of multimode data collection, questionnaire design, data analysis, and the application of machine learning to survey research. Her professional responsibilities include coordinating teams with different areas of expertise, keeping detailed records of decisions, reviewing technical materials for accuracy, and communicating clearly with leadership and external partners. She regularly manages complex workflows that require strong organization, careful documentation, and attention to detail.

Dr. Sun has been an active member of AAPOR at both the chapter and national levels. She served as Program Chair for DC-AAPOR in 2019, where she coordinated conference sessions and communications. She also served on AAPOR Short Course subcommittee from 2018 to 2021, contributing to the selection of short courses focused on professional development and member learning. She has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology (JSSAM) since 2020, supporting the peer review process. In addition, she served as Publications Officer for the American Statistical Association (ASA) Survey Research Methods Section (SRMS) from 2023 to 2024, where she wrote and submitted articles to Amstat News and supported the organization’s external communications. She currently serves as the Washington Statistical Society (WSS) representative for the Roger Herriot Award Committee.

Her experience in documentation review, editorial processes, committee coordination, and collaboration with organizational leadership provides a strong foundation for supporting AAPOR’s governance and record-keeping functions.

Personal Statement

My background and experience have prepared me well for the Associate Secretary–Treasurer role through ongoing volunteer service, professional work requiring precise documentation and decision tracking, and a long-standing commitment to AAPOR.

I first became involved with AAPOR as an international student. Through the annual conference and chapter events, I built my professional network and developed a strong connection to the organization. The mentorship I received shaped my career and strengthened my commitment to clear and accessible organizational processes. Through chapter, national, and journal editorial service, I have gained practical experience coordinating activities, reviewing materials for accuracy, and maintaining clear records. These skills are central to support AAPOR Council processes.

In my professional role as an Associate Vice President for Statistics and Data Science at Westat, I lead methodological initiatives. My responsibilities include coordinating teams, tracking complex decisions, maintaining organized documentation, and preparing materials for leadership and external partners. I regularly handle time-sensitive work requiring discretion, version control, and careful record-keeping. These responsibilities parallel reviewing Council minutes and supporting AAPOR Council processes and leadership actions between meetings.

I understand this work is largely behind the scenes but essential to AAPOR’s effectiveness. Accurate records and organized documentation support leadership transitions and informed action. If elected, I will focus on three priorities: (1) ensuring accurate and timely Council records, (2) supporting continuity through organized documentation and decision tracking, and (3) promoting transparent communication so members understand Council activities and opportunities for engagement.

I am detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to clear documentation. I am prepared to contribute from day one and to serve AAPOR effectively during the 2026–2027 term. I would be honored to serve as Associate Secretary–Treasurer and respectfully ask for your vote.

Emily Swanson is Director of Election Analytics at The Associated Press, overseeing the decision desk and public opinion research units. She’s been a member of AAPOR since 2012.

A member of AP’s polling team since 2014, she oversees polls conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and voter polling that provides insights into the demographics and attitudes of the electorate, as well as guiding journalists in their use of polling data. She also oversees AP’s decision desk, analyzing vote returns, election research, historical data and results of Election Day polling to determine when to call winners in elections across the country.

She was previously polling director at The Huffington Post, where she ran the site’s first survey research partnership. Before that, she was associate editor of the poll aggregation website Pollster.com. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she held her first survey research job as a telephone interviewer.

Personal Statement

As a long-time member of AAPOR who has benefited greatly from AAPOR as a community and institution, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the community by standing for election to council.

I’ve been an active member of the AAPOR community since first joining as a young professional ahead of the 2012 conference in Orlando, attending every conference since that time. I’m also a longtime member of my local chapter, DC-AAPOR.

AAPOR has meant a lot to me throughout my career: It’s been a source of new and diverse ideas, a way of understanding best practices and grappling with what they mean in the modern survey research landscape, and a place to meet and learn from a wide array of professionals across the spectrum of survey research, including many who I might not have the chance to meet or hear from in my day to day work. I’m honored to have been nominated for a position on council so that I can be part of ensuring that AAPOR continues to provide these resources for others.

My own background is in survey research for journalism, and I would bring that perspective with me to council, which I consider to be a valuable asset since journalists so often provide the lens through which ordinary people understand and interpret public opinion research.

If I’m elected as Secretary-Treasurer, I look forward to learning more about AAPOR’s inner workings, bringing my voice to the table to help guide its direction over the next couple of years, and helping to keep it on solid financial footing.

Karl uniquely understands and can represent the nuanced professional needs and expectations of all AAPOR members to Executive Council. Karl has been an active member of AAPOR for over 30 years. During that time, he has been a data collector, principal investigator, business developer, educator, and senior executive. He has worked inside non-profit, commercial, government, and academic organizations.

Karl understands AAPOR. He has long delivered extensive service to the association including President of the Pacific and Southern chapters, peer reviewer for POQ, subject matter expert for the Standards Evaluation Committee, and active involvement in the financial development of Annual Conference, for which Executive Council presented him a unique award.

Karl has also been a leader in the Insights Association, which gives him perspective on different ways research associations can operate and succeed which he can bring to AAPOR. Karl is currently a lecturer in communication at NC State University and a senior executive at Vistra Communications where he leads the team delivering research to corporate, nonprofit, federal, state, and local government clients.

Personal Statement

My three decades of experience in our profession have allowed me to develop the wide variety of technical, leadership, and management skills required by an AAPOR Councilor-At-Large (CAL). The job description for the CAL states that they serve as an official liaison role on all council ad hoc task forces, representing the interests of the general membership. As detailed in my biosketch, my background makes me uniquely qualified to understand and represent the kaleidoscope of interests represented by AAPOR’s diverse members.

The description further states the CAL takes on special projects as requested by the President. Throughout my AAPOR career I have accepted and excelled at AAPOR special projects. These have included multifold growth in the membership and financial positions of the Pacific and Southern chapters. I transformed of the Annual Conference exhibit hall and financial support of the conference. I have also confidentially advised the AAPOR Standards on response to a high-profile case of scientific peer review, among others.

The description states the CAL serves on the Advisory Committees of AAPOR’s three journals. I have been the editor, and a contributing author, to multiple industry journals and trade publications and stay abreast of the trends and issues covered in our publications.

The description states the CAL is involved in association management functions including human resources planning and bylaw and policy reviews. My professional personas have included leadership of business units, including human resources planning, training and management of up to 400 staff. I am also a seasoned, certified performance improvement consultant for enterprises with annual budgets up to $200 million. In this role, I have advised on internal policy reviews and rewrites, as well as facilitating charter and bylaw development.

I look forward to using the panoply of skills developed over my long career to continue to contribute to this organization and its individual members. AAPOR has given me so much. Please vote for me so I may continue to give back to AAPOR and to you in the role of Councilor-at-Large!

Michael W. Link, PhD, has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of survey methodology, data collection, and public service across academia, government, and the private sector. He is currently Principal of Michael Link Leadership Consulting, where he advises organizations on leadership, governance, and navigating change. His prior roles include senior leadership positions at Ipsos Public Affairs, Abt Associates, Nielsen, CDC, and RTI, including serving as Chief Research Officer for Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs and as President and CEO of Abt SRBI.

Michael has a long history of service to AAPOR, including serving as Vice President, President, and Past President (2013–2016), Conference Chair, and Co-Chair of the AAPOR Task Force on Emerging Technologies, as well as contributing to member education through conference training sessions and webinars. He currently serves as Associate Editor for a special issue of Public Opinion Quarterly on Artificial Intelligence and Survey Research and has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles on survey methodology and data collection. He is a recipient of AAPOR’s Warren Mitofsky Innovators Award.

He has also been active in regional chapters, serving as President and Conference Chair of the Southern Association for Public Opinion Research (SAPOR) and participating in regional chapter conferences and events over many years. Throughout his career, Michael has focused on strengthening professional standards, exploring the utility of new technologies and methods, and helping the profession adapt to change while maintaining trust.

Personal Statement

Much of my recent work has focused on helping organizations think clearly and act responsibly during periods of disruption. In survey research, that disruption is real and ongoing, driven by advances in AI, federal policy changes affecting data collection and funding, and long-standing tensions around trust, representation, and relevance. My experience has prepared me to engage these issues directly, without oversimplifying them or avoiding difficult conversations.

My experience has often placed me at points where change is occurring most rapidly. I have tried to focus on what genuinely improves practice, what protects credibility, and what helps members do their work well across very different institutional settings. That perspective informs my current work with Public Opinion Quarterly on a special issue focused on AI and survey research, with an emphasis on careful evaluation rather than advocacy.

Working with Council in both elected and volunteer roles has reinforced that navigating disruption is rarely about individual action. It depends on judgment, continuity, and collaboration. Council works best when members bring different perspectives, listen carefully, and support the officers and committees responsible for education, communications, outreach, finance, and other core functions.

As Councilor-at-Large, I would work with my colleagues to help AAPOR confront change in a constructive and measured way by acknowledging real challenges, encouraging thoughtful debate, and supporting decisions that strengthen the association’s ability to serve its members. I would aim to contribute perspective, ask the right questions, and help ensure that change is navigated in a way that preserves trust and sustains the profession over time.

Patti Goerman has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Virginia and leads the Coverage Improvement Methods Group in the Center for Behavioral Science Methods at the Census Bureau. Aside from her 22 years of experience in questionnaire design, she has a long history of service to AAPOR. She has served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including Co-Chair of the Cross-Cultural and Multilingual Research Affinity Group since 2016, with the goal of connecting members and facilitating communication about research and publication opportunities. She served on the 2026 Conference Committee and conducted focus groups for the AAPOR Governance Study. She has also served on multiple awards committees: Sudman Student Paper Award, Policy Impact Award, and the Harkness Student Paper Award.

As DCAAPOR President (2021–23) and Treasurer (2015–17), she ushered the organization back to in person events post-pandemic, helped design a new conduct policy and revamped the student paper award.

Personal Statement

As a senior survey methodologist with more than two decades of experience, I design and test messaging to encourage survey participation, particularly across linguistic and cultural contexts. This work has reinforced the importance of clarity and transparency, principles I would bring to AAPOR’s communications efforts.

In my role at the Census Bureau, I have initiated and led communications forums, including a working group and a research forum, creating structured opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. I regularly mentor early career researchers and encourage their participation in professional associations. Drawing on both research and personal experience with first-generation professionals and accessibility and disability topics, I am committed to lowering barriers to involvement and fostering broader engagement within AAPOR.

My long-standing involvement with AAPOR has given me a strong appreciation for the organization and its membership. Through leadership roles in the Cross-Cultural and Multilingual Research Affinity Group, service on awards and conference committees and governance-related efforts, I have collaborated with members from many sectors, disciplines, and career stages. Serving as President and Treasurer of DCAAPOR further strengthened my skills in organizational leadership and strategic communication.

I also bring an international perspective through service with global survey initiatives. I have been a member of the Comparative Survey Design and Implementation Executive Committee since 2017 and have served on the European Social Survey Translation Expert Panel since 2024. These roles have strengthened my communications experience across contexts.

I would really value the opportunity to help AAPOR continue to communicate its work in ways that are engaging and that reflect the full range of perspectives within the profession, while strengthening connections among members and highlighting the value of survey research to non-technical audiences.

Nicole Mitchell brings over 25 years of expertise in market research, beginning her career as a Project Director in telephone sampling at Dynata and later advancing to Senior Project Manager for online sampling. Today, she serves as Principal on Dynata’s Research Science Team, where she leads primary research initiatives, advises clients on complex methodological challenges, and drives innovation in sampling and industry training.

Nicole is deeply engaged in the professional community as Communications Chair for the Black & African American Public Opinion Research (BAAPOR) Affinity Group, a member of IA’s IDEA Council and Benchmarking Committee, and a member of the ARF’s Cultural Effectiveness Council. She also frequently presents at leading industry conferences.

Personal Statement

Serving as the Communications Chair for the Black African American Opinion Public Research (BAAPOR) Affinity Group has given me a strong foundation for stepping into the role of Associate Communications Chair for AAPOR. In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to shape and strengthen BAAPOR’s communication strategy across multiple platforms, and those experiences translate directly into the skills needed to support AAPOR’s broader communications work.

In my current role, I manage BAAPOR’s LinkedIn presence, which includes developing content, monitoring engagement, and ensuring that our digital voice reflects the mission, values, and priorities of our community. This responsibility has sharpened my ability to communicate clearly, strategically, and consistently to diverse audiences within the public opinion research field.

I also design BAAPOR’s newsletter and create all promotional collateral for events, programming, and meetings. This work has strengthened my skills in visual communication, digital design, and message framing. Beyond the technical aspects, it has required me to take initiative, collaborate with committee leads, and translate complex information into compelling, accessible content.

Overall, my BAAPOR communications leadership has prepared me to bring creativity, organization, and a strategic mindset to AAPOR’s Communications Committee. I understand the importance of maintaining a coherent brand identity, promoting member engagement, and elevating the work of a professional community. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute these skills at the national level and support AAPOR’s communication goals with the same dedication I have brought to BAAPOR.

Aaron Maitland has over 20 years of research experience across the public and private sectors. He is currently an Assistant Center Chief in the Center for Behavioral Science Methods at the U.S. Census Bureau where he leads interdisciplinary teams conducting research on the quality of federal data. Previously, he led a team that conducted the National Health Interview Survey at the National Center for Health Statistics and conducted methodological research in Westat’s Survey Methods Group. His research focuses on improving data quality and he teaches a graduate-level course on survey measurement.

Aaron has served on the AAPOR Conference Program Committee three times. He also served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology. In addition, he served on the AAPOR/ASA Monroe Sirken Award Committee and as Treasurer of DC-AAPOR. Aaron earned a PhD in Survey Methodology from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Sociology from Iowa State University.

Personal Statement

AAPOR has been my professional home since attending my first annual conference in 1999 as an undergraduate. Over that time the AAPOR community has addressed significant challenges. Our field is now integrating data science, AI, and alternative data sources with surveys. The annual conference is a place to share innovations and debate emerging challenges to our industry.

I have presented many papers at AAPOR, primarily on question design issues. Strong sessions and constructive discussion have improved my work, sharpened research questions, and helped turn projects into publishable findings. Thoughtfully developed session tracks and plenary sessions have also exposed me to new topic areas and broadened my perspective on the field.

My service on the AAPOR Conference Program Committee and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology provided direct experience to build engaging sessions at the annual meeting. In my current role, I regularly bring together interdisciplinary teams to solve problems collaboratively and deliver high-quality work on a deadline. I would work with the Executive Council and the program committee to build a conference theme and program that engages members with important topics in public opinion and methodology.

If elected, my goal would be to organize a conference that addresses current challenges in the field, reflects the breadth of our profession, and focuses on solutions for the future. It is essential that we engage new ideas while preserving the core principles and practices that define the AAPOR community. The annual conference should provide a meaningful platform for the wide range of practitioners and researchers who contribute to our field, ensuring their perspectives are represented in the program. It should also serve as a welcoming space for new professionals to learn foundational and emerging approaches to public opinion research and to build connections that support long-term career development.

Angelique (Angel) Uglow, IPC, has more than 30 years of experience in the survey research industry. As Executive Vice President of Client Engagement at Reconnaissance Market Research (ReconMR) and Senior Vice President of Client Services for affiliate company Customer Research International, Inc. (CRI), Angel is responsible for building new business relationships while acting as a strong resource in the design and management of research projects. Angel develops sales presentations, research proposals, and action plans for existing and new clients, continuously elevating the ReconMR brand in the appropriate markets.

Previously Angel was Vice President of Operations at Scientific Telephone Samples (STS). At STS, Angel consulted with clients on a variety of sampling options. Angel attends industry-based continuing education seminars and conferences such as Quirks, Insights Association, American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), and National Association of City and County Health Organizations (NACCHO) to keep up with research dynamics and identify future trends. Angel is a regular attendee and perpetual board member for organizations such as AAPOR and the Insights Association.

Ms. Uglow served as the Southern Association for Public Opinion Research (SAPOR) President in 2025 and 2018 after serving as 2015 Vice Conference Chair, 2016 Conference Chair, and 2017 Vice President. Angel was elected AAPOR Associate Membership and Chapter Relations Chair, June 2020 to June 2021 and MCR Chair from June 2021 to June 2022. Before relocating to Texas, Angel served on the SoCal MRA/Insights Association Board of Directors from June 2011 to June 2014. Positions included Director at Large – Education, Program and Events Director, and Program and Events Advisor.

Personal Statement

I just completed my second term as SAPOR President and previously served as Membership and Chapter Relations Chair for AAPOR from 2020–2022. It was a career highlight to work with the resolute and super smart AAPOR Executive Council members while navigating the pandemic, pivoting to a virtual conference, moving to self-management, and transitioning to a new membership portal within that brief period.

There were major challenges and changes our resilient community has faced including last year when a new wave of change hit our industry like a tsunami. I am looking forward to sharing historical knowledge when helpful and bringing fresh ideas to the table if elected to serve again.

In my business development role for ReconMR, I regularly attend various chapter events, and I am already a member of all seven of the chapters supported by this role. I will bring more than two decades of experience planning and hosting educational and social events for regional and national conferences such as my past involvement with SoCal MRA (Insights Association), SAPOR annual conference, and regional networking events while continuing to lead the planning for the AAPOR All Chapter Party, since 2016.

These educational and social events have proven to increase awareness, enhance regional and national chapter collaborations, and add to membership rosters by attracting new local and national members. I have attended hundreds of research-related events and will share ideas and takeaways from those experiences to increase support for AAPOR, members, and chapters while constantly looking for ways to also increase the value of membership dues and benefits.

My focus will be on supporting AAPOR members and building bridges across local chapters for more engagement and growth opportunities across national and regional levels.

Akilah Evans-Pigford is an Associate Research Director at SSRS, where she manages survey research projects for higher education, nonprofit, media, and commercial clients across the full research lifecycle, from questionnaire design through data collection oversight and reporting.

She serves as Founding Vice Chair of the Black & African American Public Opinion Research (BAAPOR) Affinity Group and Editor of the BAAPOR Newsletter. She also serves on AAPOR’s IEC Metrics & Accountability Subcommittee, as Associate Chair of the AAPOR Outreach Subcommittee, and as a PANJAPOR member.

Akilah has moderated sessions at the AAPOR Annual Conference and mentors emerging researchers. She is committed to expanding diversity in the field and building pipelines that introduce Black and Brown students to careers in survey research.

Personal Statement

My work has been a balance of strong research standards with a commitment to expanding access to the survey research profession. As an Associate Research Director at SSRS, I manage projects from design through reporting and mentor junior staff along the way. Leading others and overseeing the full research lifecycle has given me firsthand insight into both the skills required to succeed in our field and the areas where early-career researchers often need more structured support.

Through my service to AAPOR, including leadership in BAAPOR, work on the IEC Metrics and Accountability Subcommittee, the Outreach Subcommittee, and PANJAPOR, I have seen how intentional programming, accountability, and outreach shape member engagement and professional growth. Moderating conference sessions has also reinforced the importance of creating spaces where learning is accessible, practical, and relevant across sectors.

I am especially committed to strengthening the pipeline into public opinion research. I actively introduce high school and college students, particularly Black and Brown students, to the field and help them see survey research as both viable and impactful. Early exposure, mentorship, and clear pathways matter.

These experiences prepare me for the Associate Education Chair role because they reflect both practice and purpose. I understand the skills our profession demands, and I care deeply about making sure more people have access to the training and opportunities needed to thrive.

Mileah Kromer is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the founding director of the UMBC Institute of Politics (2024–present), where she conducts the UMBC Poll. Dr. Kromer previously oversaw the Goucher College Poll as the director for the Sarah T. Hughes Center for Politics (2012–2024). From 2008 to 2012, she was an assistant professor of political science and assistant director of the Elon University Poll. She earned her Ph.D. in political science from Louisiana State University.

Dr. Kromer’s public polling work is a fixture in Maryland state and local news coverage. Her commentary has appeared in POLITICO Magazine, CNN, The Washington Post, and The Hill. She was recognized by The Daily Record as one of the Most Influential Marylanders.
Dr. Kromer is the author of Blue State Republican: How Larry Hogan Won Where Republicans Lose and Lessons for a Future GOP (Temple University Press, 2022). Her other scholarly works have appeared in Social Science Quarterly, The Social Science Journal, Politics & Gender, and Survey Practice.

In addition to her longtime membership in AAPOR, Dr. Kromer was a member of the Association of Academic Survey Research Organizations (AASRO), where she served a term as membership secretary.

Personal Statement

I was a charter member of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative (TI). As a political scientist who has spent my career producing state-level public polls for academic institutions, I continue to view this work as crucial to our industry’s public standing and as an opportunity for practitioners to learn from one another. Beyond the TI, the educational opportunities provided by AAPOR and the research conducted by its members have shaped every stage of my career.

When I first set foot in a survey lab as a graduate student in 2003, I learned how the implementation of the Do Not Call Registry could impact already declining response rates. A few years later, as assistant director of the Elon University Poll, I worked to address the rise of cell phones, which created the dual-frame multiplicity problem, and navigated restrictions on autodialing in our lab.

In the decade since I founded the Goucher College Poll in 2012, our industry has adapted to changes in modality—including the rise of online panels and text-to-web—and developed new weighting techniques. Today, as founding director of the UMBC Institute of Politics, I’m addressing data-quality issues stemming from bots and fraudulent respondents while exploring AI’s potential to streamline our work.

My experience as an academic with a strong practitioner orientation, combined with conducting surveys for businesses and nonprofits through my consulting firm, gives me a broad perspective on the field. I also bring expertise in public-facing work and media relations. I believe this positions me well to understand and support the training and educational resources AAPOR members need.

I’ve benefited greatly from AAPOR but have not fully participated in its valuable work. Most of my career has been at teaching-focused institutions with limited research funding, where conference travel near the end of the semester was not feasible. My current position at UMBC, an R1 university, provides me with the time and resources to support an organization that has supported me.

Kelly Bell is a research leader who manages large‑scale quantitative and qualitative studies across government, nonprofit, and private‑sector contexts. She currently serves as Director of Research Programs at EurekaFacts and previously held senior research leadership roles at Ipsos Public Affairs and KRC Research. Her work has examined barriers related to healthcare, financial access, and social services among underrepresented populations, including studies exploring workplace experiences, community needs, and awareness of information and resources.

Kelly has been an active AAPOR member since 2022 and has served on the Inclusion & Equity Committee’s Metrics & Accountability Subcommittee since 2024. She is committed to supporting pathways for researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to contribute, grow, and be recognized within AAPOR.

Personal Statement

I see the Associate IEC Chair role as a natural extension of the work I’ve been doing within AAPOR and in my professional life. Since joining AAPOR in 2022, I’ve been an active participant in the annual conferences as a presenter, abstract reviewer, and session moderator. In 2024, I joined the IEC’s Metrics & Accountability Subcommittee, where I have helped develop recommendations to Council for the AAPOR Inclusion and Equity Report, focusing on how to strengthen inclusion and equity within AAPOR and promote more equitable practices across the survey research field.

Professionally, much of my work focuses on understanding barriers to healthcare, financial access, and social services among different populations. That lens has reinforced how important it is to design systems and outreach that support equitable participation and representation. These experiences naturally complement the IEC’s efforts around membership outreach, talent pipeline development, professional development opportunities, and affinity group support.

I care deeply about making sure AAPOR and the survey research community are welcoming to all kinds of people and paths into the field, so that people with different lived experiences are able to share their perspectives and be recognized for their contributions. As Associate IEC Chair, my goal would be for members not only to feel included, but to be able to participate, grow, and lead within the organization.

Arundati Dandapani is Founder and CEO of Generation1.ca, a nonprofit advancing immigrant inclusion and workforce mobility across North America, and an established leader in Canadian and North American industry.

She has presented at three AAPOR conferences since the pandemic and served on AAPOR’s 2024 Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee, helping redefine AAPOR’s mission to expand its reach and relevance post-pandemic. She has served on the Communications Committee and as Chair of the Social Media Subcommittee, aligning podcast and content strategy with AAPOR’s initiatives.

A former Bud Roper Fellow and abstract reviewer, she established the AAPOR–WAPOR Global Research Panel and Affinity Group, launching at AAPOR’s 81st Conference. She serves on the IAPP Certifications Governing Board and is a CMA and Insight250 Global Awards juror. She was named an ESOMAR Insight250 Hall of Fame honouree (2023) and received ESOMAR’s 2024 Best Paper Award for Voicing the New Global Immigrant Realities.

Personal Statement

My career’s commitment has been to building inclusive professional communities, advancing ethical research practices, and strengthening collaboration across the public opinion and insights ecosystem. As Founder and CEO of Generation1.ca and an educator, I have spent over a decade leading a nonprofit dedicated to immigrant inclusion and workforce mobility across North America. This work requires designing programs, partnerships, and research-led initiatives that center diverse voices, reduce barriers to participation, and translate insights into meaningful opportunities.

My service to AAPOR has enabled me to influence its governance. In 2024, I served on the Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee, where we redefined AAPOR’s mission to expand its reach and relevance as the profession adapted to post-pandemic realities. I also contributed to the Communications Committee and chaired the Social Media Subcommittee, collaborating with AAPOR to align podcasting, social media, and content planning with strategic goals. As a longtime abstract reviewer, moderator, former Bud Roper Awardee and conference presenter, I have been deeply engaged in fostering participation and elevating diverse research voices.

I have also built bridges across the global research community by establishing the AAPOR–WAPOR Global Research Panel and Affinity Group to encourage international collaboration on shared methodological and democratic challenges. Beyond AAPOR, I serve on the IAPP Certifications Governing Board, including AI governance credentialing, and have served on the Insights Association’s and Canadian Marketing Association’s membership initiatives. Being named an ESOMAR Insight250 Hall of Fame (2023) Honouree and receiving ESOMAR’s 2024 Best Paper Award reinforced my commitment to research that amplifies underserved voices. Such experiences prepare me to advance AAPOR’s Inclusion and Equity priorities by strengthening representation, collaboration, and access across the profession.

Scott caught the survey research bug conducting student polls for his university newspaper, where an iPod raffle was enough to increase his survey’s response rate from 25% to 30%. Since then, he’s conducted polls with ABC News, the Pew Research Center and The Washington Post, where he has been the polling director since 2015.

Scott has collaborated with colleagues and partners to conduct national and local polls on politics, healthcare, the economy and many other topics. A Washington Post-Ipsos survey of AR-15 owners was part of The Post‘s Pulitzer-prize winning series examining the weapon’s rise.

Scott served on the AAPOR’s 2016 and 2024 election polling task forces. He previously led the organization’s journalist education efforts, which produced educational resources for journalists and spoke at journalism conferences.

Scott is an active member of the DCAAPOR chapter, serving as program chair in 2010, where he helped organize a range of events from a mini-conference on a Public Opinion Quarterly special issue to happy hours and research talks with the Washington Statistical Society. He has also attended events hosted by PAPOR and NYAAPOR.

Personal Statement

I am passionate about keeping AAPOR a lively meeting place where researchers learn from each other, advance survey methods and grow their careers. My experience leading AAPOR’s journalist education efforts and serving as DCAAPOR program chair taught me how to work collaboratively to organize events connecting expert researchers with audiences interested in learning about their findings.

If elected, my biggest goal would be to make AAPOR membership essential and worthwhile for survey and public opinion researchers at all stages of their careers. Working collaboratively with national and regional members, I would promote the strong programs produced by AAPOR committees and encourage participation in virtual events hosted by chapters. I would draw on multiple feedback channels to identify strong topics for future events, including member surveys, conference session data, and direct conversations with chapters and committees.

Erin Fordyce, MS, Med, is a Senior Research Methodologist at NORC with over 12 years of experience in social science research. Erin specializes in questionnaire design, qualitative interviewing, and mixed mode study implementation, with extensive experience working on sensitive topics with hard-to-reach populations. Her research emphasizes innovative data collection and inclusive designs.

Erin has been an AAPOR member since 2015, previously serving as co-chair and associate co-chair of the AAPOR Welcoming Committee. In these roles, Erin collaborated across committees to support new members, students, and early career professionals through at-conference events such as the student and new member happy hour and welcome lunch and the docent program. She oversaw webinars on topics such as preparing conference posters, developing resumes and CVs for various industries, and introducing new members to AAPOR and the annual conference. In addition, Erin helped organize presentation dry‑run sessions that connected students and early‑career members with experienced AAPOR mentors for feedback.

Personal Statement

My experience at NORC and my leadership roles on AAPOR’s Welcoming Committee have prepared me well for the responsibilities of the Membership and Chapter Relations Committee.

I led initiatives that strengthened member engagement, expanded professional development support, and built more inclusive entry points into the association. I coordinated with multiple AAPOR committees to host at conference events (e.g., happy hour and welcome lunch, docent program) and webinars throughout the year. These efforts required close cross-team communication and logistical planning. These activities reflect my commitment to creating accessible, inclusive, and supportive spaces for members at all career stages, aligning closely with MCR’s mission.

As MCR Associate Chair, I would build on this foundation by strengthening connections among chapters, affinity groups, and the broader membership. I am particularly interested in helping develop more consistent touchpoints with local chapters, enhancing resources for welcoming and onboarding new members, and creating opportunities for member feedback and cross-chapter collaboration. I am committed to ensuring that AAPOR members feel supported and empowered to participate fully in our community.

Jenny is senior vice president of Public Affairs & Media Research at NORC at the University of Chicago and director of The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Jenny has devoted her career to strengthening democratic life through public opinion research, civic engagement, and promoting data-driven dialogue.

At NORC, she leads domestic and international research to measure opinions and behaviors for clients including the nation’s top media, consulting, policymaking, and philanthropic organizations. She regularly distills and packages complex research for different audiences including journalists, policymakers, and the mass public.

Jenny is active with AAPOR where she served as the co-chair of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative for two terms, on the Standards Committee, on the 2022 Code of Professional Ethics and Practices review committee, and the Investment Committee. She currently serves as Vice President on the Executive Council of PAPOR and was formerly the webmaster and membership chair. She is also a member of the National Academies of Science Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication.

Personal Statement

My career is grounded in advancing rigorous, transparent, and ethical public opinion research, and I consider strengthening standards, transparency, and trust in our profession to be a core part of my professional mission.

I bring hands on understanding and experience with AAPOR’s standards ecosystem. I served as Co-Chair of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative (TI) and worked on the Standards Committee. I served on the 2022 review of the Code of Professional Ethics and Practices and then lead, with Co-Chair Krista Jenkins, the implementation of the new code for the TI. Through this service, I helped translate evolving methodological and disclosure challenges into practical guidance for researchers and organizations.

I am always humbled by and appreciative of the dedication of AAPOR volunteers, and I am especially committed to supporting the Standards Chair by helping manage the committee’s workload, engaging and mentoring members across career stages, and ensuring that AAPOR standards remain responsive to changes in technology, data collection, and public expectations.

I would be honored to contribute my experience and collaborative leadership style to help AAPOR continue to uphold and evolve the standards that are necessary to maintain credibility and build public trust in survey research.

Mickey is the Vice President of Data Science and Innovation at SSRS. In that capacity, he leads a small team of data scientists, coordinates research and development into emerging sampling and weighting methodologies, and acts as the methods lead for the SSRS Opinion Panel.

Prior to joining SSRS in 2021, he worked as a researcher at the American Institutes for Research, providing methodological support to large-scale federal data collections in collaboration with the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.

He has served on the Standards Committee since 2022, playing a lead role in the 2023 revision and restructuring of the Standard Definitions and testing the new online response rate calculator. Concurrently, he served on the AAPOR task force on data quality metrics for online samples, drafting report sections on inference, bias, and risks to data quality. He periodically serves as a reviewer for JSSAM and POQ and is a frequent presenter at the Annual Conference.

Personal Statement

I have been working with AAPOR standards since 2014, when I first started working on surveys as an intern at the American Institutes for Research. I remember puzzling through the Standard Definitions code tables as I worked on calculating weights and response rates for an ABS pilot study.

While it started out as a bit of a mystery to me, I gradually came to understand the logic behind the formulas and why different codes could mean different things depending on the data collection methodology. Fast-forward about a decade, and I was helping to update those tables as part of the process of producing the 10th edition of the Standard Definitions.

Having had that experience, I am passionate about finding ways to more accessibly communicate our AAPOR standards—not just the “rules,” but the intuition behind them—to our membership and beyond. I am particularly interested in both making our standards more accessible to early-career researchers and ensuring that their voices are heard as those standards continue to evolve in response to emerging methodologies.