DIR is pleased to announce the promotion of three members of our Research Operations Unit – David Getman, Ph.D., Natalia Ibanez, M.Ed., and Chelsea Whiting, M.A.

Since Dr. David Getman joined DIR in 2015, he has served as a research associate, a senior research associate and has now been promoted to senior research operations manager. His primary responsibilities include managing large-scale multi-site data collection studies, as well as engaging in data collection management, study recruitment, and training. Currently, he is leading the data collection for the Procedural Justice Alternatives to Contempt (PJAC) project with our partner MDRC.

Ms. Ibanez joined DIR in 2015 as a research associate and has provided support to a variety of projects in the role of task leader, site recruiter, and lead trainer. In her new role as a senior research associate, Ms. Ibanez will continue her work, which includes conducting in-depth interviews and paradata analysis for the Job Corps WIOA National Follow-up Data Collection.

Ms. Whiting joined DIR in 2014 as an administrative assistant in the Research Operations Unit. Her interest in pursuing a career in research evolved into an opportunity to work on more substantive project tasks from site visits to providing quality assurance. As a research operations associate, Ms. Whiting will continue to explore new opportunities such as her recent work as a school district recruiter and data collector for the School Nutrition and Meal Cost II study.

Congratulations to David, Natalia, and Chelsea on their hard work and achievement as they continue onward in The Right DIRection.