TREASURER: SHEENA McCONNELL, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.
I am honored to be nominated to serve as APPAM’s next Treasurer. As a Senior Fellow and Associate
Director at Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., my research has covered a wide range of substantive
issues and used a variety of methodological approaches. However, my choice of research has always
been driven by two principles: the research is relevant to policy toward vulnerable populations and it uses
the most rigorous appropriate methodological approach—many of my studies have involved random
assignment. Currently, I am directing a national evaluation of the Workforce Investment Act, the largest
source of federally-funded employment and training in the United States. The evaluation is based on an
experiment that we plan to implement in 30 randomly-selected sites. I am also directing an experimental
study of the effectiveness of programs, such as Teach For America, that are highly-selective and provide
an alternative route to teacher certification. In addition, I am a principal investigator of an experimental
evaluation of a program—Building Strong Families—designed to strengthen the relationships of new
parents. I oversee Mathematica’s work at the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring the quality and
dissemination of our research for that department. I have published my research in reports, briefs, and
peer-reviewed journals such as the American Economic Review, Evaluation Review, Industrial and Labor
Relations Review, and the Review of Economics and Statistics.

I have long viewed APPAM as the most important association for my professional growth. APPAM has
provided me many opportunities to disseminate my research, learn about cutting edge research conducted
by others, and interact with both researchers and the policymakers and other stakeholders who consume
our research. I have been a regular attendee at APPAM conferences for over 15 years and regularly
present on panels. I served on the Program Committee for the 2007 Fall Research Conference. If elected,
I would welcome the opportunity to serve APPAM as Treasurer.