RAND Executive and Leadership Team

Marc Schwab, the Chief Executive Officer at RAND, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit research organization. Schwab manages the alignment of research initiatives with critical public policy needs across North American and international markets. By overseeing the integration of data-driven methodologies, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all research outputs maintain the highest standards of objectivity and impact. Marc Schwab coordinates with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with government agencies and private foundations to expand the reach of policy solutions. Through the optimization of internal research workflows, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across all departments. Ultimately, Schwab secures the organization's position as a premier source of analysis for complex societal challenges, ensuring that every project contributes meaningfully to the public good.

Michael Sweet, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at RAND, architects the foundational principles and long-term growth trajectory of the organization. Sweet focuses on the expansion of research capabilities to address emerging global policy issues. By guiding the development of innovative analytical frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of public policy research. Michael Sweet collaborates with senior leadership to refine the institutional mission and enhance the impact of research findings on legislative and social outcomes. This role involves cultivating a culture of intellectual rigor and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through the strategic allocation of resources, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder supports the pursuit of complex, high-stakes research projects. Ultimately, Sweet maintains the organization's commitment to providing unbiased, evidence-based insights that inform critical decision-making processes worldwide.

Neal Schwab, the Chief Operating Officer at RAND, manages the daily operational infrastructure required to support extensive research activities. Schwab oversees the administrative and logistical frameworks that enable researchers to execute complex policy studies efficiently. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that project teams receive the necessary support to meet rigorous deadlines and quality standards. Neal Schwab coordinates with department heads to optimize resource allocation and maintain fiscal health across all research divisions. This leadership role involves implementing scalable systems that facilitate seamless collaboration between diverse research groups. Through the continuous improvement of operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer drives organizational agility in a rapidly changing policy landscape. Ultimately, Schwab ensures that the operational foundation remains robust, allowing the organization to focus entirely on delivering high-impact, evidence-based research solutions to public policy challenges.

Edgard Pietri, the President at RAND, leads the execution of specific research programs focused on domestic policy reform and social welfare initiatives. Pietri oversees the development of actionable insights that address critical gaps in public service delivery. By managing relationships with key stakeholders and policy influencers, the President ensures that research findings translate into meaningful societal impact. Edgard Pietri coordinates with research directors to prioritize projects that align with the organization's core mission of public service. This leadership role involves overseeing the dissemination of research results to policymakers and the general public. Through the strategic oversight of program budgets and timelines, the President drives the successful completion of high-priority studies. Ultimately, Pietri strengthens the organization's influence by ensuring that research remains relevant, timely, and accessible to those responsible for shaping public policy and improving community outcomes.

Hushang Ansary, the Member, President's Council at RAND, provides high-level advisory support to the executive leadership team regarding strategic partnerships and institutional growth. Ansary focuses on expanding the organization's influence within international policy circles and fostering connections with global leaders. By leveraging extensive experience, the Member, President's Council offers critical perspectives on the geopolitical implications of research initiatives. Hushang Ansary collaborates with the President to identify emerging policy trends that require deep analytical attention. This role involves representing the organization at high-stakes forums and facilitating dialogues that bridge the gap between research and policy implementation. Through the provision of strategic guidance, the Member, President's Council supports the organization's efforts to maintain its status as a trusted advisor to governments and institutions. Ultimately, Ansary contributes to the long-term vision of the organization by ensuring that research efforts remain aligned with global needs.

Mena Samaan, the President at RAND, directs the research agenda for international security and defense policy initiatives. Samaan oversees the analytical teams responsible for evaluating global threats and developing strategies for stability and conflict resolution. By managing complex research portfolios, the President ensures that the organization provides accurate, evidence-based assessments to defense and security agencies. Mena Samaan collaborates with other senior leaders to integrate security research with broader public policy objectives. This leadership role involves overseeing the rigorous peer-review processes that maintain the integrity of all security-related publications. Through the strategic management of research resources, the President drives the production of high-impact studies that inform national and international security policies. Ultimately, Samaan secures the organization's position as a leading authority on defense and security matters, ensuring that research findings contribute to safer and more stable global environments.

Bradley Brent, the Office of the President at RAND, manages the administrative and strategic coordination of the executive office to ensure seamless leadership operations. Brent oversees the flow of information between the President and various research departments, facilitating efficient decision-making processes. By coordinating high-level meetings and institutional communications, the Office of the President ensures that leadership priorities are clearly articulated and executed across the organization. Bradley Brent collaborates with the executive team to track progress on key strategic initiatives and institutional goals. This role involves managing the logistical aspects of presidential engagements and ensuring that all executive activities align with the organization's mission. Through the optimization of executive support functions, the Office of the President drives organizational cohesion and operational efficiency. Ultimately, Brent supports the leadership team in maintaining the focus and momentum necessary to deliver high-quality, nonpartisan research to the public.

Wayne Rand, the President at RAND, leads the research initiatives focused on economic development and technological innovation. Rand oversees the analytical teams that evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on labor markets and economic growth. By managing large-scale research projects, the President ensures that the organization provides actionable data to policymakers seeking to foster sustainable economic environments. Wayne Rand collaborates with external partners and academic institutions to leverage diverse expertise in economic modeling and policy analysis. This leadership role involves overseeing the dissemination of research findings to industry leaders and government officials. Through the strategic allocation of research funding, the President drives the development of innovative solutions to complex economic challenges. Ultimately, Rand strengthens the organization's impact by ensuring that research remains at the cutting edge of economic thought, providing the evidence necessary to guide effective policy decisions in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Lester Arnold, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at RAND, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to attract top-tier research professionals. Arnold oversees the cultivation of an inclusive, high-performance culture that supports the organization's mission of objective policy analysis. By implementing advanced professional development programs, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains equipped to tackle evolving societal challenges. Lester Arnold collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader institutional goals. This role involves managing compensation, benefits, and employee engagement initiatives to retain elite talent in a competitive research environment. Through the optimization of performance management systems, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational excellence and staff productivity. Ultimately, Arnold secures the human capital foundation required to sustain the organization's reputation for rigorous, nonpartisan research.