Richard Hendra is a national leader in applying advanced data analytics to transform social programs and improve economic mobility outcomes. As founding director of the Center for Data Insights at MDRC, he pioneers innovative approaches to help government agencies and organizations use data more effectively to serve communities in need. His work spans the full spectrum of economic opportunity — from education and workforce development to housing stability and emergency preparedness.
With over two decades of experience, Hendra currently directs several major federal and state initiatives, including the State IMPACT Collaborative, where his data infrastructure and analytics frameworks help agencies make more informed decisions about service delivery. He has developed influential data collaborative models that bridge the federal, state, and nonprofit sectors, establishing new models for accelerating evidence-based policymaking.
A recognized expert in evaluation research and data science, Hendra brings deep methodological expertise to complex policy challenges. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in public and urban policy and extensive experience teaching graduate-level statistics and research methods. Through advisory roles with major foundations, policy organizations, and academic institutions, he helps shape how data and evidence are used to create more effective social programs nationwide.
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