James Pann, program evaluation consultant, smiling in front of greenery, representing his expertise in improving program outcomes through evaluation.

Hey, I’m James Pann, Ph.D., Principal Consultant

Researcher, professor, program evaluator, psychologist, and all-around data nerd.

Now, if you’re here then you’re likely interested in learning more about evaluation or looking for an evaluator or researcher. And you want that person to have credibility and expertise. I do – so if reading through a full academic CV is your jam, drop me a line and I’d be happy to send you a copy.

But here’s what you really need to
know about me:

An academic with humor.

I’m an academic with practical, real-world experience, a sleeves-rolled-up work style, and a sly sense of humor

Host. Teacher. Writer.

I host a podcast, teach, and contribute articles to peer-reviewed journals – because I believe in sharing my expertise and bettering my field

Multiple degrees.

I have multiple degrees that allow me to do many different things – but I choose to be a program evaluation consultant and researcher because it’s meaningful and rewarding

And most importantly, I believe in the work you’re doing and I will do everything I can to make sure you succeed.

My career as a program evaluator started with my doctoral dissertation on the impact of an Outward Bound program on the literacy and self-concept of youth. Since then, I’ve supported many projects through research and program evaluation, and gone on to work with undergraduate and graduate students as a Professor.

When I’m not up to my neck in evaluation design, statistics, data, and survey results, you can find me swinging kettlebells, practicing meditation, soaking up Florida sunshine with my family, or planning my next wilderness adventure.

Interested in asking me a research or evaluation question? Or perhaps about how my evaluation consulting services could be helpful to a specific project you’re working on? Fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch promptly to set up a time to talk!

My Credentials

James Pann, Ph.D., Program Evaluation Consultant and Researcher

Dr. James Pann — Official Bio

Dr. James Pann
Official Bio

James Pann, Ph.D., is a program evaluator, psychologist, and Professor. He has more than 25 years of research and teaching experience in program evaluation and research.

A mental health practitioner by background, James conducts research and evaluation projects as a consultant in collaboration with nonprofit organizations in health, human services, and education sectors. Many of the projects he has evaluated received funding from institutions and government agencies, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and an M.S. Ed. from the University of Miami. He also earned a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. James completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami/Jackson Health Systems.

In addition to his research and evaluation work, James hosts the EvalNetwork podcast where he interviews other evaluators and explores trends and emerging approaches in program evaluation research. He has also presented at national conferences, including the American Evaluation Association, American Psychological Association, and the Grant Professionals Association.

His writing has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and one book series. He is currently an Associate Editor at the Journal of Youth Development.

James lives in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children and enjoys backcountry backpacking trips.

Published in These Academic Journals & Publications

American Journal of Evaluation
Supporting Evaluation Practice Through Mindfulness

The Qualitative Report
Returning Veterans’ Experiences of a Holistic Therapeutic Program

The Foundation Review
Implementation and Evaluation of a Multidimensional Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative Funded by a Community Health Foundation

Springer Briefs in Behavioral Criminology
Best Practices for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System

Journal of Youth Development
Building Evaluation Capacity in Youth-Serving Organizations Through Evaluation Advisory Boards


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