As research director, Alison Bramer leverages her 10+ years of nonprofit research experience to design and deliver targeted research to meet your goals. Her background in association management and governance enables her to bring a keen understanding of current issues and trends in the association industry, and her involvement in associations as a member, an employee, a volunteer leader and outside consultant gives her a broader perspective and fuels an all-encompassing approach while developing and implementing research projects.
Previously, Alison served as the director of research and insights for McKinley Advisors, a consulting firm that works in partnership with association executives and volunteer leaders to identify and address their most significant challenges and opportunities. Alison also assisted in the start-up of a consulting firm where she was instrumental in developing the business model and structure of the firm and interned at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) where she cultivated her interest in the association industry. Alison expanded her involvement by serving on the NASW National Board of Directors and the NASW DC Chapter Board of Directors. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Insights Association (formerly the Marketing Research Association).
Alison holds a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Alabama and is a firm believer that facilitating a focus group requires the same skills as running a group therapy session. She credits the holistic approach of social work for her ability to visualize the big picture. This empowers her empathy and gives her a deeper understanding of the perceptions of research participants, clients and her team members.
