Westat Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Westat has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, 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 - James Smith
  • 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
  • James Smith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Smith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Smith guides the organization's expansion into new markets and service areas, ensuring alignment with client needs across government agencies, businesses, and local governments. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection methodologies. Smith actively collaborates with other senior leaders to enhance Westat's reputation for delivering high-quality, data-driven insights. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on driving sustainable growth and maintaining the company's position as a leader in professional services. James Smith's oversight ensures that all initiatives contribute to Westat's mission of providing essential research and analytical support.

    Daniel Gilden - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Daniel Gilden, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, spearheads the company's strategic direction and executive leadership. Gilden is responsible for setting the organizational goals and ensuring their effective implementation across all departments. This involves driving the company's core competencies in survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection to serve a diverse clientele including government agencies and businesses. Gilden's leadership ensures operational excellence and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. The President & Chief Executive Officer works closely with the executive team to identify opportunities for innovation and market expansion. Daniel Gilden's commitment is to uphold Westat's standards of integrity and scientific rigor in all research endeavors.

    Scott Royal - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Scott Royal, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Westat, commands the company's strategic initiatives and overall corporate governance. Royal's purview encompasses the full spectrum of Westat's professional services, including advanced survey research, sophisticated study design, comprehensive analytics, and precise data collection. This leadership position involves steering the company's growth trajectory and ensuring its services meet the evolving demands of government agencies, businesses, and local governments. Royal cultivates strategic partnerships and oversees the integration of cutting-edge methodologies to enhance research outcomes. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes driving operational efficiency and maintaining the highest standards of quality and ethical conduct. Scott Royal's vision propels Westat's mission forward.
    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 operations. Holguin oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting, ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization. This role is crucial for managing the financial resources that support Westat's extensive work in survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection for government agencies, businesses, and local governments. Holguin guides investment decisions, manages risk, and ensures compliance with financial regulations. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to develop long-term financial forecasts and strategies that support sustainable growth. Oswaldo Holguin's financial acumen is instrumental in maintaining Westat's operational integrity and expanding its service capabilities.
    Oswaldo Holguin

    Olubusola Afolabi - President

    Olubusola Afolabi, the President at Westat, leads specific strategic initiatives and operational divisions within the company. Afolabi focuses on driving excellence in the delivery of professional services, including survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection, to a diverse client base. This leadership role involves overseeing key projects and ensuring that Westat's offerings consistently meet high standards of quality and impact for government agencies, businesses, and local governments. Afolabi works to foster collaboration across departments and implement best practices in research methodologies. The President is dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and expanding Westat's market presence through strategic operational management. Olubusola Afolabi's leadership contributes significantly to the company's ongoing success and mission.

    Christopher Coulthard - Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Coulthard, the Chief Technology Officer at Westat, architects the company's technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Coulthard directs the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection processes. This role is critical in ensuring Westat leverages advanced tools to provide superior services to government agencies, businesses, and local governments. Coulthard oversees the integration of data analytics platforms and secure data management systems, driving efficiency and data integrity. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology roadmaps with business objectives, fostering a culture of technological advancement. Christopher Coulthard's expertise ensures Westat remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the research services sector.

    Dwight Feanny - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Dwight Feanny, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Westat, manages the company's information technology systems and digital resources. Feanny oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure supporting Westat's core services, including survey research, study design, analytics, and data collection. This position is vital for ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of information systems used by government agencies, businesses, and local governments. Feanny drives initiatives to optimize IT operations, enhance data security protocols, and support digital collaboration across the organization. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer works to align technology investments with Westat's business goals, ensuring robust support for research and analytical functions. Dwight Feanny's leadership ensures technological capabilities effectively serve Westat's mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Westat Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Westat?
    Westat is led by James Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Daniel Gilden (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Westat’s executive team?
    The executive team of Westat includes leaders such as James Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), Daniel Gilden (President & Chief Executive Officer), Scott Royal (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Westat have?
    Westat has 7 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President.