Washington, D.C. – Gallup is pleased to announce that Dr. Meria J. Carstarphen has joined as a Senior Scientist, their first-ever with a focus on education. Senior Scientists are leading experts whose contributions serve to further Gallup’s mission to deliver analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations around the world solve their most pressing problems.

Dr. Carstarphen has more than 20 years of transformational leadership and management experience, with a track record of surpassing strategic goals to dramatically improve student and organizational outcomes. She is passionate about working to make communities stronger especially through the equalizing power of education from early childhood through college. 

“We are excited to have Dr. Carstarphen with her focus on education join our distinguished ranks of world-renowned researchers and thought leaders, including two Nobel Laureates, as they lend their expertise to topics that include literally every big issue facing humankind,” said Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup. Read more about these leaders in their fields here about Gallup Senior Scientists.

Dr. Carstarphen’s role as Senior Scientist will be to advise Gallup and Gallup’s clients on educational system transformation, as well as lend her expertise on equity and inclusion and whole-student development.

Nationally recognized as an experienced public education leader skilled at managing billion-dollar organizations efficiently and effectively, her collective impact spans over 800,000 students, more than 20,000 employees and hundreds of schools. Over her career, she has served as superintendent in major metropolitan public school districts including Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

About Gallup

Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.

Inquirers at media@gallup.com