Westat Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Westat has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, technology infrastructure, financial management, information systems, and operational oversight.

Committed to delivering high-quality research and data analytics, Westat empowers government agencies and private businesses through rigorous study design and professional service excellence.

Leadership Roles at Westat

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Scott Royal
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Oswaldo Holguin
  • President - Olubusola Afolabi
  • Chief Technology Officer - Christopher Coulthard
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Dwight Feanny
  • Scott Royal - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Scott Royal, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the delivery of survey research and complex data analytics, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between client requirements and internal research capabilities. This leadership role involves managing the employee-owned structure while driving growth across federal and local government sectors. By fostering innovation in study design, Scott Royal maintains the competitive market position of the firm. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to execute long-term business objectives, ensuring the company remains a leader in professional research services. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, Royal secures the stability of the firm while expanding the reach of research initiatives across North American markets, ultimately delivering high-impact data solutions to diverse government and commercial clients.
    Scott Royal

    Oswaldo Holguin - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Oswaldo Holguin, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Westat, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the firm. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of the employee-owned business model. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from government contracts and commercial engagements to maintain profitability. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Oswaldo Holguin supports the long-term investment in research capabilities and infrastructure. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights to the executive team regarding market trends and resource optimization. Through disciplined fiscal management, Holguin enables the organization to pursue ambitious study designs and data collection projects, ensuring the firm possesses the necessary capital to deliver high-quality professional services to clients across the United States.
    Oswaldo Holguin

    Olubusola Afolabi - President

    Olubusola Afolabi, the President at Westat, directs the execution of operational initiatives and service delivery across specific business units. Overseeing the day-to-day management of research projects, the President ensures that client deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to execute complex survey research and data collection efforts. By fostering a culture of excellence, Olubusola Afolabi drives the successful completion of projects for local governments and private sector clients. The President works closely with other executives to align operational activities with the broader mission of the firm. Through the effective management of project lifecycles, Afolabi ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for reliability and professional service, consistently meeting the evolving needs of the market while supporting the growth of the firm's research portfolio.

    Christopher Coulthard - Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Coulthard, the Chief Technology Officer at Westat, architects the technical framework supporting large-scale data collection and advanced analytics. Overseeing the integration of modern research tools, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the security and scalability of digital platforms used by government agencies. This leadership role involves managing the development of proprietary software solutions that enhance the efficiency of survey research. By implementing cutting-edge computational methods, Christopher Coulthard drives the digital transformation of the firm. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with research teams to optimize data processing workflows, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Through the deployment of robust technical infrastructure, Coulthard supports the complex analytical needs of the organization, maintaining a high standard of technological performance across all research projects and ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of data-driven professional services.

    Dwight Feanny - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Dwight Feanny, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Westat, governs the information systems and data management protocols essential for research integrity. Overseeing the maintenance of secure databases and internal communication networks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures the protection of sensitive client information. This leadership role involves streamlining the flow of data between research departments and external stakeholders. By optimizing information architecture, Dwight Feanny enhances the speed and reliability of data collection processes. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer collaborates with the technology team to implement robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding the reputation of the firm. Through the strategic management of information assets, Feanny supports the operational efficiency of the organization, ensuring that research teams have seamless access to the tools required for delivering precise analytical results to government and business partners.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Westat Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Westat?
    Westat is led by Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Oswaldo Holguin (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Olubusola Afolabi (President).
    Who is part of Westat’s executive team?
    The executive team of Westat includes leaders such as Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer), Oswaldo Holguin (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Olubusola Afolabi (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Westat have?
    Westat has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Westat’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Westat includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.