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Our Team

The real value of analytics comes from the people who know how to make it work for you.

Our team is made up of data scientists, engineers, project leads, and advisors who thrive on solving hard problems. We bring technical depth, business understanding, and a collaborative spirit to every engagement—because solving the right problem the right way takes more than skill. It takes alignment, insight, and care.

When you work with Elder, you don’t get passed to unqualified staff or left to interpret results on your own. You get seasoned professionals guiding the work from day one to deployment—and staying with it until the outcome is real.

That’s how we See It Solved.

“They’re very unassuming, very approachable, and take things in stride. They’re always accessible.”

Elder Research Client
“They aren’t forceful. They are very unassuming and wait to hear and understand us before they make recommendations.”

Elder Research Client
"Every new person that pops up is equally as intelligent, empathetic, and patient as the rest of the staff. The results tie back to the people themselves.”

Elder Research Client
"They really care about everyone —– and that includes their people on staff. They welcome people back too –— they may leave when they are young but welcome them back down the road.”

Elder Research Client

Employee Spotlight

"Elder Research is a firm that values collaboration, humility, and their people. Our passion for data and problem solving creates unique client solutions."

Christina Choi
Portfolio Director Joined in 2018
"Imagine a collegial workplace where no one is competing and you are rewarded for doing what you love and do best. That's my Elder Research experience."

Mike Thurber
Principal Scientist Joined in 2011
"Whether solving data-based problems, applying our products or training others, our experts keep people and their needs at the center of all we do."

Lisa Targonski
Director of Commercial Services Joined in 2019
"This team remains a place where I'm learning and creating space for others to do the same. We offer more for our clients as our skills grow."

William Proffitt
Senior Software Engineer Joined in 2011
"I get to work with a team of insightful, down-to-earth people learning, experimenting, and working together to solve interesting problems."

Tom Shafer
Principal Data Scientist Joined in 2016
"Our diverse backgrounds, along with the respect and trust we have for each other, allow us to be creative in solving fun, challenging problems."

Joy McKinney
Portfolio Director Joined in 2015
"I enjoy the commitment to continued learning and working with creative people who don’t mind debating why the tidyverse is preferable to data.table."

Carlos Blancarte
Lead Data Scientist Joined in 2016

Get To Know Us

We’re data people—so naturally, we found a data-driven way to introduce ourselves.

This interactive network graph highlights both the diverse backgrounds of our team and the connections that bring us together. From shared interests to complementary skills, it’s a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that drives how we work —with each other and our clients.

Explore the graph and discover what makes us tick.