Urban Institute Executive and Leadership Team

Sarah Wartell, the President and Trustee at Urban Institute, provides overarching strategic leadership and vision for the organization's nonpartisan research and policy analysis. Guiding the institute's direction, Sarah Wartell ensures a steadfast commitment to generating rigorous, evidence-based insights that inform public discourse and shape effective policy solutions. This executive role is central to advancing the institute's mission of addressing complex societal challenges through data-driven investigation. By championing a multidisciplinary approach and fostering collaboration among experts, the President and Trustee drives the institute's impact across critical domains like economic opportunity and health care access. The focus remains on elevating the institute's role as a trusted source for understanding and improving communities.

Kara Davis, the Senior Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer at Urban Institute, directs critical technology infrastructure and information systems supporting the organization's extensive research operations. Overseeing the implementation and maintenance of digital platforms, Kara Davis ensures the integrity and accessibility of data essential for empirical analysis and policy recommendations. This leadership role involves managing IT resources to align with the institute's mission of generating rigorous, evidence-based insights on social and economic policy. By optimizing technological solutions, the Senior Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of research teams and supports the secure handling of sensitive information. The focus remains on leveraging technology to advance the institute's commitment to informing public discourse and guiding policymakers toward effective solutions for societal challenges.

Helen Behnke-Hanson, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research & Programs at Urban Institute, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the institute's extensive research portfolio. Collaborating closely with program leaders, Helen Behnke-Hanson facilitates the seamless integration of research initiatives with the organization's overarching goals of informing public discourse and policy. This position involves coordinating cross-functional efforts to ensure research projects adhere to the highest standards of empirical rigor and data-driven investigation. By streamlining program management and operational workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research & Programs enhances the institute's capacity to address complex societal challenges. The focus is on enabling researchers to produce comprehensive studies and evaluations that reflect the multidisciplinary approach central to the Urban Institute's mission.

Justine Palacios, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Counsel at Urban Institute, provides critical legal and operational guidance to support the institute's nonpartisan research mission. Overseeing key operational functions and offering counsel on legal matters, Justine Palacios ensures compliance and risk mitigation across all organizational activities. This role is integral to maintaining the integrity of the institute's evidence-based insights and its commitment to informing public discourse. By managing operational frameworks and advising on legal implications, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Counsel facilitates the effective execution of research designed to address complex societal challenges. The focus remains on strengthening the operational backbone that supports the Urban Institute's multidisciplinary approach to policy analysis.

Yasmin Kazzaz, the Chief Operations Officer at Urban Institute, directs the comprehensive operational strategies that underpin the organization's commitment to rigorous analysis and evidence-based insights. Overseeing day-to-day functions, Yasmin Kazzaz ensures that administrative, financial, and logistical operations effectively support the institute's mission to inform public discourse and guide policymakers. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and integrity of research processes across multiple policy domains. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the institute's capacity to tackle complex societal challenges. The focus is on building a robust operational framework that enables multidisciplinary research teams to produce impactful studies and evaluations.

Shrita Hernandez, the Chief Communications Officer & Vice President, Communications at Urban Institute, leads the strategic dissemination of the organization's rigorous analysis and evidence-based insights. Overseeing all communication channels, Shrita Hernandez ensures that the institute's findings effectively inform public discourse and reach policymakers addressing complex societal challenges. This role is vital for translating complex research into accessible narratives that highlight the impact of policy on diverse communities. By shaping communication strategies and managing media relations, the Chief Communications Officer & Vice President, Communications amplifies the institute's voice and reinforces its commitment to data-driven solutions. The focus remains on effectively communicating the value of multidisciplinary policy analysis to a broad audience.

Yasmin Coronado, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Administrative Officer at Urban Institute, directs the strategic management of human capital and administrative functions essential for the organization's research endeavors. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and operational administration, Yasmin Coronado ensures a supportive and efficient environment for staff engaged in generating evidence-based insights. This leadership role is critical for fostering a culture that champions the institute's commitment to informing public discourse and addressing complex societal challenges. By optimizing HR policies and administrative processes, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Administrative Officer enhances the institute's capacity to attract and retain top talent for its multidisciplinary research teams. The focus is on building a strong organizational foundation that enables impactful policy analysis.

Ragan Tysvaer, the Director, Center Operations at Urban Institute, manages the operational efficiency and resource allocation for specific research centers, supporting the institute's broader mission of generating rigorous analysis. Overseeing the day-to-day functions within these centers, Ragan Tysvaer ensures that research teams have the necessary support to produce evidence-based insights on critical policy questions. This role is vital for facilitating the seamless execution of research projects aimed at informing public discourse and guiding policymakers toward solutions. By streamlining operational processes and managing center resources, the Director, Center Operations enhances the institute's capacity to address complex societal challenges effectively. The focus is on optimizing the operational environment to support multidisciplinary research and data-driven investigation.