Elizabeth Rinker Bissett
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Dynamic project manager with over 25 years of experience leading study teams, fostering client relations, and managing complex multi-year budgets. Proven track record in executing large-scale educational studies and effectively coordinating multiple stakeholders to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines. Committed to driving project success through meticulous planning and proactive problem-solving.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Vice President
Westat
2023 - 2025
- Member of Westat’s senior management team; collaborated on strategies to meet company goals and internal objectives.
Project Director, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2023-24
Westat
2019 - 01.2025
- Directed project teams with 10+ staff, including assignment of tasks; served as personnel supervisor for junior staff.
- Led in-person and virtual weekly meetings to discuss progress on completion of project goals; wrote progress reports; conducted stakeholder presentations.
- Served as primary contact for external clients and multiple subcontractors.
- Created both top-level and subtask schedules for deliverables; prioritized tasks for staff under changing conditions.
- Oversaw complex, multi-year project budgets ranging from approximately $7 million to $75 million.
Project Director, the International Early Learning Study
Westat
2009 - 2013
- Directed study activities and teams.
- Attended multiple international meetings with client.
Project Manager in the Market Research Department
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins/Wolters Kluwer Health
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Supervised primary and secondary research projects to support strategic initiatives and product development proposals.
Deputy Project Director, Research Analyst
Westat
1997 - 2005
- Various projects.
Graduate Research Intern
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Worked with large national datasets to support institute research.
Education
Focus Group Moderation -
RIVA Training Institute
2009
MA - Applied Sociology
American University
1997
BA - Sociology
Gettysburg College
1994
Skills
- Leadership and staff development
- Client relationship management
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Financial budget development and oversight
- Attention to detail and task organization
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and collaboration software for remote communication
Timeline
Project Manager in the Market Research Department
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins/Wolters Kluwer Health
01.2005 - 01.2011
Graduate Research Intern
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
01.1996 - 01.1997
Associate Vice President
Westat
2023 - 2025
Project Director, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2023-24
Westat
2019 - 01.2025
Project Director, the International Early Learning Study
Westat
2009 - 2013
Deputy Project Director, Research Analyst
Westat
1997 - 2005
Focus Group Moderation -
RIVA Training Institute
MA - Applied Sociology
American University
BA - Sociology
Gettysburg College