Tracy Adams, Ph.D.
Director, Research Programs
ARF

Tracy Adams, Ph.D., is a researcher with over 8 years of professional research experience and publications in high-ranking academic journals. Adams has taught courses in sociology, organization studies, and collective memory studies and is the recipient of numerous awards, research scholarships, fellowships, and grants. She recently completed a postdoc position at Yale University. She holds a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology, an MA with honors in Conflict Research, Management and Resolution, and a BA in Psychology and International Relations, all from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

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Paul Donato
Chief Research Officer,
The ARF

Paul Donato joined the ARF as Chief Research Officer in October 2017. Paul is a highly-regarded leader in media and advertising research with more than two decades of industry experience. Earlier in his career he co-founded WPP’s Media Research Business Unit, served as CEO of Kantar Media, and Technical Director of IBOPE Latin America. He was the EVP and CRO for The Nielsen Company for more than a decade, overseeing Nielsen retail, consumer, mobile, and media measurement methodologies. Upon leaving Nielsen, Paul founded Jatopond, a media and market research firm. He also has led business units at Simmons, and at Audits and Surveys Worldwide. He currently sits on the Future State Committee of the National Air and Space Museum. In addition to leading the research team, Paul will also play an active role in overall ARF leadership, helping to guide our future direction.

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Samantha Zhang
Data Scientist
The ARF

Samantha Zhang is a Data Scientist at the ARF, helping to support the ARF’s Artificial Intelligence initiatives in addition to other research projects. Prior to joining the company, she held data roles in personalization and product analytics at Spotify and The New York Times, seeking to bridge the gap between quantitative data and business outcomes. She holds degrees in Applied Mathematics and International Relations from the University of Southern California.

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