Robert Santos was sworn in as the new director of the Census Bureau on January 5, 2022, taking charge at an important time of transition.
“I’ve spent the majority of my career with organizations dedicated to delivering credible and informative statistical analysis for the public good," Santos said. "Census Bureau data have been essential to that work. It is such an immense privilege to join the Census Bureau and its very talented team.”
The Insights Association endorsed Santos' nomination this past summer and supported him. Santos was approved by committee on August 14, 2021, and confirmed by the Senate on November 4.
As the Census Bureau transitions from the decennial headcount to the lesser-known issues of modernizing their data infrastucture and pursuing desperately needed improvements to the American Community Survey (ACS), Santos' hand at the tiller may prove crucial and he will need to convince Congress to fund this important work.
IA looks forward to working with him and the Bureau in support of sound and timely census data for the insights industry.
About the Author
Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers.
Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS.
He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC).
When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.