|
 |
Letter from the Chair
 |
|
|
I have been a member of MDRC’s Board of Directors from the day it was founded. That
speaks for my longevity, but it also says something more significant. MDRC set out to
play an important and satisfying role in the world of social policy: to bring science and
objectivity to the evaluation of initiatives aimed at improving the prospects of the disadvantaged.
The organization has succeeded in establishing a style of research, a solid body
of evidence about what works to improve the lives of low-income families and individuals,
and a sterling reputation for rigor and integrity.
The world of program evaluation is subject to change as the political and economic winds
shift. Under Judy Gueron’s splendid leadership, we have flourished while the winds were
favorable and managed to survive and do our job well when they were adverse. After 30
years, Judy decided to make the transition to a new set of professional endeavors, leaving
behind an enviable legacy. No better successor could have been imagined than Gordon
Berlin. Not only has Gordon been an invaluable leader at MDRC since 1990, but he also
brings a wealth of experience from the worlds of philanthropy and federal and municipal
government service. He takes over a strong organization — one that has, in recent years,
extended its work into education, family and children’s issues, and community initiatives,
while continuing as a trusted source of information about “traditional” MDRC issues:
welfare reform, job training, and youth employment. MDRC seems poised for new successes.
Working with colleagues on the MDRC Board, and with the skilled and devoted staff, has
always seemed to me to be one of the best things I have done. The Board itself has
always been active and involved in a substantive way, taking a serious, ongoing interest in
the work of the organization. It remains a privilege to chair such a diverse and distinguished
group of business leaders and experts in the social sciences who care so deeply
about using reliable evidence to improve social and education policy and programs.
Someone once said that “tragedy is a theory killed by a fact.” That’s our game, in a way,
and, in the face of changing problems and shrinking budgets, we hope to keep playing it
with skill and intensity.
ROBERT SOLOW
Chair, MDRC Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
