WASHINGTON — The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced today the appointment of veteran data science expert and entrepreneur Peter Zandan as special adviser for data and audience impact. In this position, Zandan will help the National Academies build the platforms, processes, and reporting necessary for engaging with their audiences and stakeholders. Zandan has served in various capacities for the National Academies for over a decade, including six years on the advisory committee for the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.  He also was a member of the Presidents’ Circle and the Committee on America’s Climate Choices.  

“As an evidence-based institution, the National Academies recognize that the ways our sponsors and other stakeholders engage with our work is changing and expanding, with new product formats, new dissemination channels, and the emerging impact of AI,” said Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences. “Peter’s commitment to our mission and expert advice are proving to be extremely helpful to us as we navigate these changes.” 

An entrepreneur and expert in the field of data science and analytics, Zandan has served as a board member and executive adviser to numerous for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He is currently the executive chairman of Quantified AI, a behavioral science and computational intelligence software firm. Zandan served as the global vice chairman from 2011-2021 at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a communications company with 4,000 employees in 70 offices around the globe. He was founder, chairman, and CEO of IntelliQuest Information Group Inc., an Austin-based global research firm for the technology industry, taking the company public on the NASDAQ exchange. Zandan also founded and served as CEO of Zilliant, where he pioneered the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for pricing optimization.  

Zandan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Business Administration and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.  

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.  

Contact:
Dana Korsen, Director of Media Relations
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; news@nas.edu