Leadership Overview
RAND has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and research administration.
Committed to rigorous analysis, RAND advances public policy solutions through objective research and data-driven insights that address complex global challenges across diverse sectors.
Committed to rigorous analysis, RAND advances public policy solutions through objective research and data-driven insights that address complex global challenges across diverse sectors.
Leadership Roles at RAND
Rand Produções - Chief Executive Officer
Rand Produções, the Chief Executive Officer at RAND, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit research organization. By overseeing the development of public policy solutions, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that research initiatives remain objective and impactful. Rand Produções manages high-level relationships with government agencies and private foundations to secure funding for critical studies. This leadership role involves guiding the organization through complex research landscapes while maintaining the highest standards of analytical integrity. By fostering a culture of intellectual rigor, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to improve policy and decision-making. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to align long-term goals with the evolving needs of global society. Through this dedicated focus on research excellence, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization as a premier source of evidence-based policy analysis.
Guillermo Shakespeare - Joint Chief Executive Officer
Guillermo Shakespeare, the Joint Chief Executive Officer at RAND, shares responsibility for the operational and strategic direction of the research enterprise. Focusing on the expansion of research capabilities, the Joint Chief Executive Officer identifies emerging policy trends that require deep analytical investigation. Guillermo Shakespeare collaborates with internal research teams to ensure that projects meet the rigorous standards expected by stakeholders. This leadership position involves managing the organizational infrastructure necessary to support large-scale, multi-disciplinary studies. By optimizing resource allocation, the Joint Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of research delivery across various policy domains. The Joint Chief Executive Officer also represents the organization in international forums, promoting the value of evidence-based decision-making. Through this active engagement, the Joint Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the research mission while maintaining the core values of the institution.
Neal Schwab - Chief Operating Officer
Neal Schwab, the Chief Operating Officer at RAND, manages the internal business processes that support the organization's research mission. Overseeing the daily administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that research teams possess the necessary tools and environments to conduct high-quality analysis. Neal Schwab directs the implementation of operational policies that streamline project workflows and enhance organizational productivity. This role involves coordinating across departments to maintain financial health and operational compliance. By refining internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of timely and relevant policy insights to clients. The Chief Operating Officer also monitors the performance of support services to ensure alignment with the broader strategic objectives of the organization. Through this focus on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer enables the research staff to concentrate on solving complex public policy challenges without administrative friction.
Mena Samaan - President
Mena Samaan, the President at RAND, oversees the strategic execution of research projects focused on national security and defense policy. By directing these high-stakes initiatives, the President ensures that the organization provides critical insights to government decision-makers. Mena Samaan manages the relationships with key defense stakeholders to understand the evolving landscape of global security threats. This leadership role involves coordinating multi-disciplinary teams to produce comprehensive reports that inform policy development. By prioritizing analytical depth, the President enhances the impact of research on national and international security strategies. The President also monitors the progress of ongoing studies to ensure timely delivery and adherence to project objectives. Through this focus on security-related research, the President strengthens the organization's role as a trusted advisor to government agencies. The President maintains a commitment to objective analysis, ensuring that all findings remain independent and evidence-based.
Anne Rand - President
Anne Rand, the President at RAND, leads the research efforts dedicated to social and economic policy. By overseeing these programs, the President drives the development of solutions for challenges related to education, health, and economic stability. Anne Rand coordinates with researchers to analyze data and formulate policy recommendations that improve societal outcomes. This leadership role involves engaging with community leaders and policymakers to communicate the findings of the research. By fostering partnerships, the President ensures that the work of the organization reaches those who can implement positive change. The President also manages the allocation of resources to support long-term studies on emerging social trends. Through this focus on social and economic issues, the President advances the mission of improving public policy. Anne Rand ensures that all research remains grounded in empirical evidence, providing a clear path for informed decision-making across various sectors.
Bradley Brent - Office of the President
Bradley Brent, the Office of the President at RAND, manages the administrative and strategic support functions that enable the executive leadership to function effectively. By coordinating the flow of information and priorities, the Office of the President ensures that executive decisions are well-informed and timely. Bradley Brent facilitates communication between the board and the senior leadership team to maintain alignment on organizational goals. This role involves overseeing special projects that require cross-departmental collaboration and executive oversight. By streamlining the operations of the executive office, the Office of the President enhances the overall efficiency of the leadership team. Bradley Brent also monitors the implementation of strategic initiatives to ensure that they meet the intended objectives. Through this dedicated support, the Office of the President allows the leadership to focus on the core mission of the organization. The Office of the President maintains a high level of discretion and professionalism in all executive interactions.
Edgard Pietri - President
Edgard Pietri, the President at RAND, directs the research programs focused on technological innovation and its impact on public policy. By overseeing these initiatives, the President ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of understanding how emerging technologies shape society. Edgard Pietri coordinates with technical experts and policy analysts to evaluate the risks and benefits of new digital tools. This leadership role involves managing the research agenda to address critical questions regarding cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. By providing evidence-based insights, the President helps policymakers navigate the complexities of the modern technological landscape. The President also engages with industry leaders to foster a dialogue on responsible innovation. Through this focus on technology policy, the President strengthens the organization's ability to provide forward-looking analysis. Edgard Pietri ensures that all research findings are communicated clearly to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making in an increasingly digital world.
Wayne Rand - President
Wayne Rand, the President at RAND, leads the research initiatives centered on environmental and sustainability policy. By directing these programs, the President oversees the analysis of climate change impacts and the development of strategies for sustainable resource management. Wayne Rand coordinates with environmental scientists and policy experts to produce research that informs global and local policy decisions. This leadership role involves managing the research portfolio to address the most pressing environmental challenges of the era. By prioritizing rigorous data collection and analysis, the President ensures that the organization provides actionable solutions for a changing planet. The President also engages with international organizations to promote evidence-based environmental policies. Through this focus on sustainability, the President advances the mission of improving public policy for future generations. Wayne Rand maintains a commitment to objective research, ensuring that all findings contribute to a more resilient and sustainable global society.
Lester Arnold - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Lester Arnold, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at RAND, leads the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the organization. By cultivating a diverse and highly skilled research staff, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts top-tier analytical talent. Lester Arnold oversees the design of professional development programs that foster continuous learning and innovation among employees. This leadership role involves managing compensation, benefits, and organizational culture to maintain high levels of engagement and retention. By aligning human capital strategies with the research mission, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term growth of the organization. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer also implements policies that promote an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Through these efforts, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal capacity to address complex policy issues.
John John smith - Presidentq
John John smith, the Presidentq at RAND, focuses on the specialized research initiatives that define the organization's unique contribution to public policy. By directing specific research programs, the Presidentq ensures that analytical outputs remain relevant to current societal needs. John John smith coordinates with subject matter experts to synthesize complex data into actionable policy recommendations. This leadership role involves overseeing the quality control processes for research publications and reports. By maintaining rigorous standards, the Presidentq upholds the credibility of the organization in the eyes of policymakers and the public. The Presidentq also engages with external partners to identify new areas for research exploration and funding. Through this targeted approach, the Presidentq advances the mission of providing objective analysis on critical issues. The Presidentq ensures that all research activities align with the core values of the institution while addressing the most pressing challenges of the day.
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