AIR Welcomes Dr. Debra Peikes as New vice President of evaluation, Methods, and Analytics
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has announced the appointment of Dr. Debra Peikes as Vice President of Evaluation,Methods,and Analytics within its Health Division. This was announced by Timothy Hill, AIR’s Senior Vice President, who expressed enthusiasm for the expertise, knowledge, and dedication peikes brings to the institution as AIR focuses on partnerships aimed at improving lives and expanding opportunities.
Dr. Peikes arrives at AIR following a distinguished career spanning over two decades at Mathematica, where she served as a senior fellow for ten years. During her time there, she spearheaded and conducted important federal evaluations for key agencies including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Social Security Management. More recently, she held leadership positions in the private sector, including roles at Blue Cross blue Shield of Massachusetts as Vice President for Measurement and Evaluation, as a Research Advisor to the Chief Medical Officer at agilon health, and as Vice president of Health Care Research at Humana.
Her expertise encompasses a broad range of methodologies, including mixed-methods evaluation, advanced analytics, predictive modeling, implementation science, survey design, and the utilization of real-world evidence. Dr. Peikes possesses in-depth understanding of various healthcare systems, including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, commercial insurance, value-based care, primary and chronic care, care management, disability policy, consumer experience, pharmacy benefits, and methodological advancements.
“The healthcare system is currently grappling with substantial challenges concerning affordability, accessibility, and quality,” stated Dr. Peikes. “There’s an increasing demand for robust data and rigorous research to guide informed decision-making regarding both policy and practice. I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at AIR and collaborate with clients and partners to ensure the healthcare system effectively serves everyone.”
Dr. Peikes holds a Ph.D., Master of Public Administration, and Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University. A prolific scholar, she has authored approximately 300 publications, reports, and presentations, and is a frequent peer reviewer for leading academic journals. her work has been recognized with awards from academyhealth, the National Institute for health Care Management, and the robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the board of princeton University’s health system, and multiple scientific advisory committees. Dr. Peikes also has experience as an instructor,having taught graduate-level evaluation methods at Princeton.
The Evaluation, Methods, and Analytics program within AIR’s Health Division comprises health economists, data scientists, and qualitative researchers. They collaborate with both public and private sector clients to implement and monitor alternative payment models,demonstrations,interventions,and programs,and to evaluate their impact on healthcare access,quality,and cost. Further facts about the Health Division’s work can be found on the AIR website.
About AIR
Founded in 1946,AIR is a nonpartisan,nonprofit research organization dedicated to behavioral and social science research and technical assistance. AIR operates domestically and internationally, focusing on health, education, and workforce progress. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AIR maintains offices throughout the U.S. and abroad. More information is available at www.air.org.
