Dear Colleagues,

Abt SRBI, the survey research and data collection arm of Abt Associates, has become a $60 million business with a stellar reputation under the outstanding leadership of Mark Schulman and Al Ronca. 

Over the past year, Abt SRBI has been evolving to the next phase of its development.  We’ve been engaged in a strategic planning process to position the firm to target and win larger, more visible projects. As the firm continues to expand, we are making changes to the leadership structure to support that growth. 

Mark Schulman, a giant in the field of survey research, is transitioning from day-to-day management of the business to day-to-day oversight of project execution and client relationships. Mark is critical to the continued success of Abt SRBI, and as Founding Partner, he will focus on areas where his industry leadership will make the biggest difference for Abt SRBI:  assuring methodological soundness, recruiting and retaining the best talent, expanding our client base, and bolstering reputational capital.  His new role will enable him to spend more time with clients to assure stability and continuity in the execution of projects. Mark is not retiring, and indeed I am grateful that he plans to be with the company for a long time.  Al Ronca will remain COO until July 2014, when he plans to retire.  

I have asked Scott Royal to take the position of CEO and President of Abt SRBI effective April 1.  Scott is the Division VP for U.S. Health, a position he has held since 2008. The division has grown significantly during that time, doubling in revenue and increasing the scope and impact of its projects.  Prior to serving as the DVP, he was the practice leader for the public health and epidemiology practice area, actually beginning that practice and building it from the ground up. Scott is an epidemiologist by training, and both at Abt and at RTI (prior to joining Abt), Scott has led or overseen numerous projects with large survey and data collection components and worked side by side with survey researchers and professionals.  He, Mark, and Al have worked together over the last several years, collaborating to target key opportunities where both Abt and Abt SRBI competencies are required – these have included several large projects with the CDC, as well as the VA, and ONDCP. 

We will launch a search for a new U.S. Health DVP. Anne Hudzik will be interim division director to maintain continuity, and Debbie Walker, Gail Robinson, and Terry Moore will continue to manage their practices with their trademark commitment to excellence.  The U.S. Health division staff is exceptionally talented, and we will recruit a leader who will build on the division’s success. 

Abt SRBI will remain independent.  It is a vital brand in the marketplace—a brand that stands for excellence in methodology and results, and it will remain so.  Abt SRBI is part of Abt Associates’ diversification strategy and will remain a separate company. 

Mark and Al support this transition and will help Scott as he takes over the day to day leadership of Abt SRBI.  Scott will be located in the Silver Spring office, and over the next few weeks, before he officially moves into his new position, Scott will be meeting with staff across SRBI to learn more about your projects, operations, needs and concerns.  Scott, Mark and Al will soon begin the search for a new COO, who will have the benefit of Al’s guidance for an orderly transition.

Abt SRBI is positioned to be a top tier survey research firm in the industry.  We are now at a point where Abt SRBI can be even more successful.  With this change in leadership structure, we are putting the resources in place to secure our long-term growth and a very bright future.  I hope you will join me in congratulating Scott and Mark and supporting them in their new roles at Abt SRBI.

Jay

Jay L. Knott | Executive Vice President-Global Business | Abt Associates

O: 301-347-5896| F: 301-828-9739 | www.abtassociates.com

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