For nearly 15 years, Dr. Frances Deviney has been one of CPPP’s most talented data mavens and leaders. As our long-time research director and as our Chief Operating Officer for the past few years, it is with heartfelt appreciation that we share the news that Frances has recently left CPPP. She’s taking some much-deserved time to focus on herself and her family, and to plan the next stage of her career.
Since long before I joined CPPP, Frances was doing amazing work as the Kids Count Project Director. Frances oversaw and published countless, impeccable and impactful research projects during her 14 years at CPPP, including developing the Family Budgets tool. As Associate Director and COO, she helped shift our organizational culture toward data-driven advocacy, deepen our commitment to racial equity, and develop our ambitious 2021 Strategic Plan. Frances modernized our work planning process and helped us build a strong culture of learning and evaluation.
We had some fun celebrating Frances in her last week, as you can see in the pictures below!
Ann Beeson, CEO and departing COO/”nonprofit unicorn” Dr. Frances Deviney with a scrapbook full of memories. 
The Research & Planning team serving up a “Frances Pie” chart at her goodbye party. (L-R) Katie Martin, Amy Knop-Narbutis, Cindy Ji, Cecilia Weber, and Cassie Davis.
Transitions are inevitable at a hub that has been cranking out policy analysis and solutions for nearly 35 years, and as Frances departs we are excited to welcome a fresh face to the team.
Continuing our trend of bringing in outstanding researchers, Amy Knop-Narbutis recently joined the CPPP family. A talented senior research analyst with a Masters in Global Policy Studies from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin, Amy brings a decade of experience as a researcher with strong skills in project management and data analysis. Learn more about Amy and the rest of our amazing staff.
Amy will be managing the Kids Count Data Center, leading our local and regional data projects for clients, and supporting our internal and external partners in accurately interpreting data sources in order to advance economic opportunity and wellness for all Texans.
Our research team also includes rock-star State Priorities Partnership Fellow Cassie Davis and intern Cindy Ji.
The credibility of our data and analysis is unmatched, and our policy experts are in high demand for their perspectives. We will continue to offer data-driven policy solutions, insights and tools to help Texas leaders and advocates make decisions about public policy.
We are an organization made up of people who know and people who care. There will always be transitions, but this much is clear: we are deeply committed to data and research, and to our faith that public policy changes lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for a blockbuster 2020.