Dr. Potok, the former chief statistician of the United States, brings a wide array of experience working in the federal government. She is also the former deputy undersecretary for Economic Affairs in the U.S. Department of Commerce, former associate director for Demographic Programs at the Census Bureau, and was the principal associate director and CFO in charge of field operations, IT, and administration during the 2000 Census. Dr. Potok is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and her expertise extends beyond survey research to include using data for systems change.

Joyce retired from the Philadelphia Police Department in 2016 as deputy commissioner of Organizational Services, Strategy, and Innovation. Throughout her career, she led major organizational change efforts using research and analysis to advance public policy and the use of technology to improve program impacts. She is now a partner and principal consultant with 21CP Solutions and a private contractor. Joyce works with police departments, cities, and the federal government to help organizations increase their performance levels.

“Nancy and Nola are two of the finest minds in data analysis and criminal justice, and a tremendous addition to our panel of highly respected experts,” said Asheley Van Ness, director of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures. “Their diverse expertise will help advance our collection and analysis of firearms data, technically and strategically, and will undoubtedly contribute to our project of evidence-based policymaking that can end the national gun violence epidemic and save American lives.”

At the second convening taking place today, the expert panel will hear testimony from a diverse group of subject-matter experts who will present case studies about infrastructure development and architecture, and sustainable systems science. After testimony is received, the panel will produce a report—Promising Practices, Programs and Policies in Data Infrastructure—highlighting best practices in data infrastructure and detailing data needs to facilitate and inform critical research investigations.

The expert panel will meet one last time in spring 2020 to create a final report that will serve as a set of recommendations for the development of a firearms data infrastructure, including a prioritized list of future projects. This information will provide empirical support for the public, researchers, and local, state, and national policymakers.