Westat Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Westat has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information systems, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to rigorous research, Westat provides professional services to government agencies, businesses, and local governments, focusing on survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection to inform critical decisions.

Leadership Roles at Westat

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daniel Gilden
  • 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
  • Daniel Gilden - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Daniel Gilden, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Gilden oversees all business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to provide high-quality professional services. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and fostering innovation across survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection. Gilden's focus remains on strengthening Westat's position as a trusted partner for government agencies, businesses, and local governments. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that all operations adhere to the highest standards of integrity and scientific rigor, directly impacting client satisfaction and long-term business sustainability. By championing a culture of excellence, Daniel Gilden guides the organization toward achieving its ambitious objectives and expanding its market influence.

    Scott Royal - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Scott Royal, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, spearheads the company's strategic direction and executive leadership. Royal is responsible for guiding Westat's comprehensive service offerings, including advanced survey research, meticulous study design, sophisticated analytics, and efficient data collection. This executive position involves cultivating strong relationships with government agencies, businesses, and local governments, ensuring Westat consistently meets and exceeds client expectations. The Chief Executive Officer drives the company's commitment to employee ownership and fosters an environment of innovation and scientific integrity. Scott Royal's leadership ensures operational excellence and strategic growth, reinforcing Westat's reputation for delivering impactful insights and solutions across diverse sectors. Royal's oversight guarantees the successful execution of complex projects and the sustained advancement of the company's core competencies.
    Scott Royal

    Oswaldo Holguin - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Oswaldo Holguin, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Westat, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal management. Holguin oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring the economic health and sustainability of the organization. This executive position is vital for supporting Westat's professional services for government agencies, businesses, and local governments by providing sound financial guidance and resource allocation. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in strategic planning, investment decisions, and risk management. Oswaldo Holguin's financial acumen ensures that Westat operates efficiently and profitably, enabling continued investment in research, technology, and talent. Holguin's stewardship of financial resources underpins the company's capacity for long-term growth and operational excellence.
    Oswaldo Holguin

    Olubusola Afolabi - President

    Olubusola Afolabi, the President at Westat, drives operational excellence and strategic initiatives across key business functions. Afolabi oversees the execution of Westat's comprehensive service portfolio, including survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection, ensuring high standards of quality and client satisfaction. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration among teams and optimizing resource allocation to effectively serve government agencies, businesses, and local governments. The President champions Westat's commitment to rigorous methodology and data integrity. Olubusola Afolabi's focus on operational efficiency and strategic development strengthens Westat's capacity to deliver impactful research and analytical solutions, contributing significantly to the company's mission and market position. Afolabi's leadership enhances service delivery and operational synergy.

    Christopher Coulthard - Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Coulthard, the Chief Technology Officer at Westat, architects the company's technological infrastructure and innovation roadmap. Coulthard directs the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection capabilities. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies and integrating them to optimize operational efficiency and data security for government agencies, businesses, and local governments. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that Westat's technological advancements support its mission of providing rigorous, evidence-based insights. Christopher Coulthard's strategic vision for technology empowers Westat to tackle complex data challenges and deliver superior analytical outcomes, solidifying the company's leadership in the research and analytics sector. Coulthard's initiatives drive technological superiority and operational resilience.

    Dwight Feanny - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Dwight Feanny, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Westat, manages the company's information systems and digital infrastructure. Feanny oversees the strategic planning and execution of IT operations, ensuring robust data management, cybersecurity, and system reliability across all service areas, including survey research and analytics. This critical role supports government agencies, businesses, and local governments by safeguarding sensitive data and enabling seamless access to information. The Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of advanced IT solutions that enhance operational workflows and support Westat's analytical capabilities. Dwight Feanny's leadership ensures that Westat maintains a secure and efficient technological environment, crucial for delivering high-quality research and data collection services. Feanny's expertise strengthens the company's data governance and IT security posture.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Westat Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Westat?
    Westat is led by Daniel Gilden (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Oswaldo Holguin (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Westat’s executive team?
    The executive team of Westat includes leaders such as Daniel Gilden (President & Chief Executive Officer), Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer), Oswaldo Holguin (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Westat have?
    Westat has 6 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer.