NORC Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

NORC has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic leadership, data intelligence, information technology, financial administration, and corporate finance.

Committed to objective research and data-driven insights, NORC advances social science through rigorous methodology and independent analysis to inform critical public policy decisions across the United States.

Leadership Roles at NORC

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daniel Gaylin
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration - Ellen Beatty
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Mary Ardizzone
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems - Kashmira Pradhan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations - Ron Jurek
  • Daniel Gaylin - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Daniel Gaylin, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NORC, directs the overall strategic vision and operational excellence of the organization. Overseeing the expansion of research capabilities, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between academic rigor and public policy impact. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships across the Chicago and Washington, D.C. hubs. By fostering innovation in data collection and analysis, Daniel Gaylin drives the long-term growth of the firm. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for independent research, ensuring that every project supports the mission of providing objective evidence for societal improvement. Through consistent engagement with the Board and senior leadership, Gaylin secures the resources necessary for large-scale research initiatives. Ultimately, Gaylin positions the organization as a premier authority in social science research, maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of data-driven decision-making.
    Daniel Gaylin

    Ellen Beatty - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration

    Ellen Beatty, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration at NORC, directs the fiscal health and administrative integrity of the organization. Overseeing the financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration ensures that research initiatives remain financially sustainable. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative frameworks that support the firm's diverse research portfolio. By optimizing financial reporting and compliance, Ellen Beatty drives transparency and accountability. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration collaborates with the executive team to allocate capital toward high-impact research projects. Through the management of administrative operations, Beatty ensures that the organization maintains a strong fiscal position. Ultimately, Beatty secures the financial stability required for long-term growth, enabling the firm to continue providing objective, high-quality research services to clients and public sector partners.

    Mary Ardizzone - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Mary Ardizzone, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at NORC, manages the strategic financial oversight and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing the long-term financial strategy, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the liquidity necessary for large-scale research investments. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to guide fiscal decision-making and risk management. By refining the financial forecasting models, Mary Ardizzone drives the economic performance of the company. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Board to ensure alignment with the organization's mission and financial objectives. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, Ardizzone supports the sustainability of research operations. Ultimately, Ardizzone secures the financial future of the firm, ensuring that resources are effectively deployed to support the organization's commitment to objective, evidence-based research and public policy analysis.

    Kashmira Pradhan - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems

    Kashmira Pradhan, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems at NORC, architects the advanced data infrastructure required for high-stakes research. Overseeing the integration of machine learning and predictive analytics, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems ensures that research teams possess the tools for precise data modeling. This leadership role involves managing the technical roadmap for intelligence systems, supporting the organization's commitment to objective evidence. By optimizing data pipelines, Kashmira Pradhan directly impacts the efficiency of large-scale studies. The Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems collaborates with cross-functional departments to implement secure, scalable technology solutions. Through the deployment of cutting-edge intelligence platforms, Pradhan enhances the quality of research outputs. Ultimately, Pradhan secures the technological foundation necessary for maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in complex data analysis.
    Kashmira Pradhan

    Ron Jurek - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations

    Ron Jurek, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations at NORC, manages the enterprise-wide digital infrastructure and operational workflows. Overseeing the security and reliability of information systems, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations ensures seamless connectivity across all regional offices. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to support the research mission. By implementing robust IT governance, Ron Jurek drives operational efficiency and data integrity. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align technology investments with organizational goals. Through the modernization of operational platforms, Jurek supports the scalability of research projects. Ultimately, Jurek secures the digital environment, ensuring that all information technology assets remain resilient and capable of supporting the rigorous demands of independent research and data management.
    Ron Jurek

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NORC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NORC?
    NORC is led by Daniel Gaylin (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ellen Beatty (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration) and Mary Ardizzone (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of NORC’s executive team?
    The executive team of NORC includes leaders such as Daniel Gaylin (President & Chief Executive Officer), Ellen Beatty (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration), Mary Ardizzone (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NORC have?
    NORC has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NORC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NORC includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Administration, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Data and Intelligence Systems, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology & Operations.