Our Team

Our team upholds our reputation as a trusted voice and valuable source for high-quality research. We are service-minded experts and collaborate with commitment, humility, and integrity. We work hard and enjoy it!

David Stuit

David Stuit

Managing Partner

David is an expert in education policy, applied statistics, and measurement. He provides thought leadership and strategic counsel to policymakers across the nation.

Jeff Springer

Jeff Springer

Managing Partner

Jeff specializes in data management, statistical programming, performance evaluation, and education finance.  

Anna Nicotera

Anna Nicotera

Senior Researcher

Anna’s research focuses on the impact of macro-level policies, programs, and governance structures on student-level educational opportunities and outcomes.

Matthew Pepper

Matthew Pepper

Senior Researcher

Matthew specializes in program evaluation and developing tools that allow us to collect on-the-ground perspectives.

Kiel McQueen

Kiel McQueen

Senior Researcher

Kiel's research focuses on professional learning initiatives aimed at improving teacher retention and effectiveness.

Jesse Nagel

Jesse Nagel

Research Associate

Jesse's research focuses on equitable school finance and identifying solutions to financial burdens facing school districts.

Margot Plotz

Margot Plotz

Senior Director

Margot excels in project management and business development, supporting client relationships, and strategic operational expertise.

Jakob Panzer

Jakob Panzer

Research Analyst

Jakob works with our partners to design and implement research solutions that strengthen community improvement initiatives.

Liv Rau

Liv Rau

Senior Project Manager

Liv specializes in policy and legal analysis, community engagement initiatives, and project management.

Our Locations

Our team works with partners throughout the nation. We have offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; and the Research Triangle, North Carolina.

We are an independent research firm specializing in policy research & program evaluation, delivering reliable data to inform policy & guide decision-making.