30 Years Supporting AmeriCorps Programs—From Performance Measurement to Evaluation
Practical evaluation support grounded in how programs actually operate.
I’ve worked with AmeriCorps programs since 1995—long before evaluation was required. That means I understand program realities, staff capacity, and commission expectations—and how they intersect. I help design evaluation approaches that meet AmeriCorps requirements and build staff capacity—so evaluation supports program improvement and builds evidence of impact, not just compliance.
Selected Evaluation Clients
Trusted by AmeriCorps programs and state service commissions nationwide
Evaluation Is More Than a Requirement
AmeriCorps evaluation isn’t just about getting the check off to meet requirements or reporting outcomes. It’s also about understanding how your program operates, identifying what’s working, and making informed improvements over time.
The strongest programs use evaluation to learn, adapt, and improve—not just report.
- Expectations keep increasing, but staff capacity doesn’t
- Evaluation knowledge gets lost with turnover
- Data exists, but it doesn’t always tell a clear story
- It’s hard to know what matters most—or where to focus
Evaluation doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be useful.
How I Provide AmeriCorps Evaluation Support
I’m an evaluation expert who makes complex requirements and data collection and analysis processes clear, practical, and actionable.
You don’t need a PhD—just clarity and good support.
Align evaluation questions with program goals and reality.
Review and refine plans so they’re feasible, compliant, and useful.
Help programs interpret findings and apply them for improvement.
Support teams through evaluation cycles without overwhelm.
Why 30 Years of AmeriCorps Experience Actually Matters
I’ve been supporting AmeriCorps programs since 1995—14 years before evaluation became a federal requirement.
That means I understand not just evaluation methodology, but how programs actually operate, what staff can realistically manage, and what commissions need to see.
I design evaluations that meet compliance requirements AND actually strengthen your program.
From 1995 to 2011, I served as Training & Technical Assistance Manager for 9 southwestern states, supporting state service commission development, organizational capacity building, and program operations. That systems-level experience means I understand not just individual program challenges, but how state commissions operate, what they need from grantees, and how to navigate the full AmeriCorps ecosystem.
I was training programs on performance measurement, helping them strengthen operations, and building commission capacity long before the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act made evaluation mandatory in 2009. When evaluation became required, I was uniquely positioned to help programs adapt—because I already understood how they operated, what their capacity looked like, and what they needed to succeed.
Many AmeriCorps evaluators entered the field after 2009. Some are former program staff who never designed evaluations themselves. Others are university researchers who focus on academic methodology over practical application. Most only know the post-2009 evaluation landscape.
I was already working with AmeriCorps programs for 14 years before evaluation became required. That means I bring context and judgment that can’t be learned from guidance documents alone.
Over 30 Years, I’ve:
✓ Trained thousands of program staff across 43 states on performance measurement, evaluation, and program operations
✓ Designed and conducted 38 evaluations across diverse AmeriCorps program types
✓ Served as Training & Technical Assistance Manager for 9 southwestern states, supporting commission development and portfolio support
✓ Extended evaluation expertise to OFFDP, Department of Education, Library of Congress, USAID, and AAAS
I understand the full AmeriCorps ecosystem—not just evaluation requirements. I’ve seen hundreds of programs succeed and struggle. I know which evaluation approaches work with limited budgets and capacity. I design evaluations that fit your reality and actually help you improve.
“Evaluation doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be realistic, practical, and useful.”
How We Can Work Together
Evaluation Design & Planning
For programs that need a meaningful but realistic evaluation approach.
Evaluation Plan & Report Reviews
For programs that already have plans or reports and want expert input.
Training & Capacity Building
For commissions to build portfolio evaluation skills without overwhelm.
Who I Work With
I work with AmeriCorps programs and state service commissions across the country.
AmeriCorps Programs
- Program directors
- Site supervisors
- Data and compliance leads
I help program staff clarify what matters, simplify quality data collection, and use evaluation to improve—not just report.
State Service Commissions
- Portfolio-wide training
- Evaluation guidance for subgrantees
- Practical tools and shared frameworks
I support commissions in strengthening their full AmeriCorps portfolio with consistent, realistic evaluation approaches.
This if for you if…
- You manage or support an AmeriCorps program
- Evaluation feels important but hard to prioritize
- You want evaluation that actually helps your program improve
I help program staff clarify what matters, simplify quality data collection, and use evaluation to improve—not just report.
This may not be a fit if…
- You’re only looking to “check the box” for compliance
- You want highly academic or experimental research
- You’re not open to using findings for improvement
I support commissions in strengthening their full AmeriCorps portfolio with consistent, realistic evaluation approaches.