Cogent Evaluation uses sophisticated data collection and analytical methods to uncover the impact of our clients’ programs. We use systematic processes to translate the data and findings into overarching statements of impact that are easy to understand. And, importantly, we work with our clients to develop reports and other products — including strategic communication plans — to make sure that their audiences know about the impact of their work and understand it.

Evaluation Specialists a woman-owned small business that specializes in evaluation of prevention, health promotion, education, and social service programs. Our experienced, highly skilled team provides methodological, substantive and clinical expertise that enables our clients to apply a wide range of cutting-edge methods to answer real world questions in community settings. We can help you think through applied research and program evaluation at the moment of program creation and walk with you as the program evolves, or come in at the tail-end of a project and help you identify ways to correct course and/or assess impact. We focus on designing and implementing actionable plans of research and evaluation, and building feedback loops into our collaboration in order to ensure that you and your organization are learning from our work together.Holly serves as a Lead Evaluator as well as a COO for Evaluation Specialists. In this capacity, she:- Develops and leads operational plans and processes, including those related to finance, human resources, staffing, marketing, and technology.- Develops business development strategies and plans.- Designs and implements full-scale evaluation plans for clients, including developing logic models and evaluative rubrics, developing and applying qualitative (focus groups, interviews, observations) and quantitative (surveys, questionnaires) data collection instruments, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, reporting on key findings and helping clients use findings to improve their programs.Holly has also served as a grant reviewer for both national (Administration of Children and Family) and regional (Choose Health LA) grant application processes.

Holly served as an Initiative Director at ChildObesity180, designing and leading a strategy to add to and communicate the research on school breakfast. In this capacity, she:- Conceptualized strategy and tactics to contribute to efforts to improve school food, - Led and conducted research on school food, - Executive produced web-based videos to summarize relevant research on school food (found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBreakfastEffect),- Created and enhanced a vast strategic network to support the launch of initiative deliverables,- Contributed to funder identification and proposal development efforts, and - Produced deliverables designed to effect change.

Holly developed and led her team to implement a comprehensive evaluation plan for each of the three primary programs offered through this nationally-known nonprofit, as well as plans for the organization's clients. She used utilization-focused and participatory approaches to design plans that helped the organization answer questions related to program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and recommendations for change and/or program enhancement. Specifically, she:- Developed and administered qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and conducts focus groups, one-on-one interviews, session questionnaires and online surveys with program participants. - Performed statistical analyses on citywide student achievement data to assess the impact of the NYC Leadership Academy’s programs on the NYC public school students. - Designed and led a national evaluation of the effectiveness of an instrument designed to facilitate productive dialogue between aspiring school leaders and their respective mentors. This evaluation included school leaders from 9 leadership development programs across the country. - Identified and addressed a market for evaluation services at client sites (specifically, other school districts and state departments of education), serving simultaneously as consultant and capacity builder to leaders of programs designed to prepare and support effective school leaders. - Developed quality assurance plans and data systems to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and analysis processes. - Managed external evaluations by working closely with subcontractors to provide context to findings.- Sought out and created proposals in response to funding opportunities.- Represented the Academy at practitioner forums and client meetings.- Created and leveraged partnerships with relevant organizations and universities.

Holly supported numerous projects in various capacities during her time at Battelle. Specifically, she:- Conducted literature scans, developed evaluation instruments, - Conducted in-person interviews, focus groups, and site observations, - Co-wrote promising practice guidelines, - Identified appropriate analytics for projects, - Conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses, and - Documented and presented findings to clients. She also developed data management systems and protocols, assisted in proposal ideation and development, prepared IRB and OMB documentation, and managed multiple research assistants.