senior management
staff
Led by Dr. David Conley, CEO, EPIC is a dynamic and talented group, committed to quality and innovation. There is very little in the way of corporate hierarchy and everyone wears many hats. Each employee is part of a specified team, but also lends their expertise and talents company-wide to pitch in where necessary and across projects. EPIC is committed to the ongoing enrichment and growth of each employee.
Area Director, State ServicesCharis McGaughy leads the State and School Services Team, responsible for multiple projects nationwide working to improve college readiness at both the policy and classroom levels.
Charis received her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University, an MPAff from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas in Austin, and her BA in Government from Pomona College. She has extensive quantitative and qualitative research experience within the educational policy arena.
Charis taught in public schools in Houston and Boston. She also worked on state level policy and budget issues for the Texas Education Agency and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.
Charis enjoys spending time with her wonderful family, traveling, reading, and playing sports.
Area DirectorKirsten currently leads the Administrative, Information Technology, Client Support Center, and Course Analysis teams. She and has been involved in the development and execution of all College Board research projects at the Center.
Kirsten received a BS with honors in Psychology from the University of Oregon. At Fordham University in New York City, she earned a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus in Policy and Administration.
Kirsten has a decade of research experience in areas from education and public health policy to family development. In addition, she has almost a decade of experience working as an advocate for marginalized populations and as a leading spokesperson for access to health care in New York City. Her passion for using research and development to address various social issues drives her commitment to the center’s work.
Area DirectorMary earned a PhD in Social and Personality Psychology with a minor in Quantitative Analysis from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prior to joining EPIC, she worked at the American Institutes for Research in Washington DC as a Senior Research Analyst and Project Director, focusing on measurement and large-scale assessment.
Originally from Washington State, she is excited to return to the west coast and looks forward to trail running, dusting off her mountain bike, and getting outdoors.
