About Karen Sampson

I launched Sampson Analytics in 2019 because I want people that are trying to do good in the world to have the tools they need to be effective.  I’ve spent over a decade working with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to use data to inform management decisions, track progress, continuously improve implementation, and show value to stakeholders.  My favorite projects have been ones where building internal capacity of the organization is a central component.  I love coaching and teaching, and my goal is to work with clients to build sustainable, efficient tools that serve the organization while also building skills. 

I have a broad range of experience and a history of success creating practical solutions that work for the people that use them every day, including:

  • Listening to teams and understanding what they need, from executives to direct service staff

  • Building logic models and developing performance measures

  • Designing easy-to-understand dashboards and reports for audiences with a wide variety of subject matter expertise and comfort with data

  • Planning, building, and implementing data collection and reporting systems for new and existing programs with hundreds of users

  • Building budget and resource allocation models

  • Developing surveys to gather feedback from programs’ clients, staff, and stakeholders

  • Using low-cost and widely-available tools whenever possible to minimize infrastructure requirements

Prior to Sampson Analytics, I served as the Director of Data and Evaluation for Child Care Aware of Washington, a statewide network of nonprofits focused on improving quality and access to early learning.  During this time, we grew from a $6 million annual revenue to $25 million, launched Early Achievers, the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care, provided hundreds of thousands of hours of coaching and training, managed millions in scholarship funds, helped families across Washington find child care, and informed state policy makers about early learning issues. 

Previously, I worked in Governor Gregoire’s administration, implementing her groundbreaking state government performance management program, GMAP, and providing analytical support to various special initiatives.  The majority of my work focused on guiding state agencies in the development of performance measures and creation of performance reports. In addition, I provided independent analysis of agencies’ performance for the Governor and her senior staff in high priority areas to prepare them to lead public discussions holding agencies accountable for results.  During my time with state government, I supported nineteen different agencies in a wide variety of areas. 

I received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University and an MA in Policy Studies from the University of Washington.

 
Headshot2.jpg