Abt Associates

February 19 2009

In the US, healthcare and government researcher Abt Associates has appointed Dr Ricky Takai as Principal Associate, and Valerie DeFillipo as VP of Business Development and Communications. Takai joins with more than 20 years’ experience in the design and management of federal evaluation studies in the field of education. Most recently, he was Associate Commissioner in the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, US Department of Education. Prior to that, Takai served as the Division Director for Program Evaluation in the Planning and Evaluation Service. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University, and a BA from Washington College. ‘Ricky's high level work in the field of education research and evaluation, as well as his knowledge of federal education initiatives, make him a tremendous asset to our company,’ said Kathleen Flanagan, Group VP for Domestic Policy. DeFillipo joins from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in London, where for the past five years, she served as Director of External Affairs. Prior to this, her career included working for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), where she founded the international public policy arm, led international business development, managed family planning clinics, and provided training and technical assistance support to family planning programs in the Balkans, Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean. ‘Valerie’s experience working with a variety of international donor governments and multi-lateral agencies, as well as her expertise in policy advocacy, communications and resource mobilization strengthens our business development capability,’ commented Group VP for International Development, Tessie San Martin. Founded in 1965, Abt Associates provides services to US federal, state and local governments; international organizations and national governments; universities and foundations; media; and major corporations. Web site: www.abtassociates.com . Printer-friendly version of this article. Email this article to a friend. Register for News emails