Mary Ann Aabye
Washington,DC
Summary
Monitoring & Evaluation professional with 10+ years of experience in research & program evaluation, strategic planning, and data storytelling. Skilled in translating complex findings into compelling visual narratives that drive decision-making and organizational change. Recognized for innovation in evaluation and data visualization, with published reports, national conference presentations, and industry awards.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
U.S. Department of State
01.2017 - Current
- Lead multi-year, multi-country program evaluations (12 to-date with values between $55K-$1M), overseeing contractor performance, managing budgets and timelines, reviewing deliverables, and fostering collaborative stakeholder engagement
- Transform evaluation findings and technical reporting into compelling narratives through visual storytelling, driving organizational change through adoption of key initiatives
- Lead data collection and reporting for annual strategic planning processes, developing key performance indicators and providing actionable insights to leadership
- Design and deliver engaging in-person and virtual trainings (25+ to-date), simplifying complex data analysis by creating visually compelling presentations, interactive guides, and e-learning modules
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research using surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation, ensuring stakeholder insights that enable data-driven decision-making
- Specialize in impactful data visualization, translating complex information into accessible reports, executive summaries, infographics, and presentations
Evidence Analyst
Office of Management and Budget
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Advanced federal agency adoption of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act through government-wide stakeholder engagement
- Conducted statutory reviews of key Evidence Act deliverables from 26 federal agencies, ensuring legislative compliance and translating complex requirements into actionable insights
- S synthesized thematic findings across agencies, identifying government-wide research priorities and informing national-level strategic decision-making
Research Associate
National Academy of Public Administration
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed project timelines, deliverables, stakeholder collaboration, and cross-team coordination, ensuring seamless execution of high-profile initiatives
- Led data collection and analysis efforts-including surveys, interviews, and focus groups-to inform evidence-based recommendations
- Developed data-driven reports and strategic recommendations for public-sector clients
Education
Master of Public Policy -
University of Maryland
College Park, MDBachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University
Washington, DCBachelor of Arts - International Economics
American University
Washington, DCSkills
- Team Project Collaboration
- Survey Development
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Virtual and In-Person Facilitation
- Quantitative Data Analysis
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Performance Measurement Frameworks
- Capacity Building
- Data Visualization
- Evaluation Design
Websites
Security Clearance
Secret
Awards
- Cash Award, U.S. Department of State, 10/24, Recognized for innovation data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
- Third Place, Data Visualization Society State of the Industry Survey Challenge, 05/24, Developed a compelling visual narrative on industry trends, demonstrating expertise in storytelling and presentation design.
- Time Off for Service Award, U.S. Department of State, 12/20, Honored for leadership in evaluation and commitment to excellence.
- First Place, IPDET Evaluation Hackathon Virtual Competition, 07/20, Collaborated internationally to develop innovative evaluation solutions, reinforcing adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
- Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Department of State, 07/18, Recognized for contributions to rigorous evaluation and performance measurement.
Publications
- Visualizing Perspectives: Exploring Photovoice in Evaluation, 10/24, Presented at the American Evaluation Association's 2024 Annual Conference.
- How Policy Supports Storytelling: Developing Data Governance Policies to Support and Strengthen Data Collection Activities, 10/23, Presented at the American Evaluation Association's 2023 Annual Conference.
- Youth All-Stars Abroad Program Evaluation Report, 04/23, Published by the ECA Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation Unit, U.S. Department of State.
- I Can M&E Too! Lessons Learned in Creating a Culture of Evaluative Thinking in a Virtual World, 11/22, Presented at the American Evaluation Association's 2022 Annual Conference.
- Career Connections Program Evaluation Report, 11/21, Published by the ECA Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation Unit, U.S. Department of State.
- Journey Mapping: The Participant Experience, 11/21, Presented at the American Evaluation Association's 2021 Annual Conference.
- Sports Visitor Program Evaluation Report, 12/20, Published by the ECA Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation Unit, U.S. Department of State.
- International Writing Program Evaluation Report, 01/20, Published by the ECA Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation Unit, U.S. Department of State.
- Agricultural Research Service: Review of Administrative and Financial Management Services, 02/17, Published by the National Academy of Public Administration.
- Veterans Benefits Administration: Review of the Disability Claims and Appeals Processes, 10/16, Published by the National Academy of Public Administration.
Personal Information
Relocation: Willing to Relocate
Timeline
Evidence Analyst
Office of Management and Budget
05.2021 - 10.2021
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
U.S. Department of State
01.2017 - Current
Research Associate
National Academy of Public Administration
08.2015 - 01.2017
Master of Public Policy -
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University
Bachelor of Arts - International Economics
American University
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