Leadership Team
President
Rachael Waldrop is President for 2025. She holds a Master's in Experimental Psychology from Western Washington University and is currently an analyst on the Research and Evaluation team at the Kent School District. Her research and evaluation work encompasses value-based motivations, systems-focused perspectives, and participatory approaches in education, psychology, and organizational settings. Rachael also specializes in data visualizations. After moving from Georgia to Bellingham to Seattle, Rachael looks forward to building a stronger community in the Seattle area. Rachael has been on the board since 2024.
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Financial Officer
Dr. Aaron S. Baker Cervantes (he/él/siya) is the Financial Officer for 2025. Aaron is relatively new to the Seattle area, having moved here in August 2021. Aaron recently completed a Community Psychology Ph.D. program through National Louis University (Chicago, IL). As a community psychologist, Aaron identifies as a methodologist with a strong interest in qualitative methods. Aaron's career has primarily been centered within the university setting working in college student development. Through several of these roles, Aaron has had responsibilities for assessment and evaluation. Now, Aaron hopes to work with a wide range of organizations in program development, evaluation, community research and action. Aaron has been on the board since 2024.
Communications Officer
Carrie S. Liston is the Communications Officer for 2025. She has been doing evaluation for almost 20 years and is dedicated to helping programs and organizations understand how to improve and increase their impact. Her projects are focused on equity and inclusiveness, mainly in informal STEM education, but also in the national parks and childcare systems. Carrie is originally from Seattle. She received her undergraduate degree at Occidental College and a Master's degree from University of Colorado Boulder. Carrie has been on the board since 2024.
Events Officer
Ciara C. Knight, Ph.D. is the Events Officer for 2025. Ciara has multiple master's degrees in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Psychology, Evaluation and Applied Research Methods from Claremont Graduate University. She is currently a Senior Evaluation Officer with Sankofa Consulting and AEA's 2025 Chair for the STEM Education & Training Evaluation topical interest group. Her evaluation practice encompasses a culturally responsive and equitable approach. Ciara joined the board in 2025.
Leadership Positions
President Elect (Open)
The President-Elect will assist the President in conducting the business of the Association and preside in the President’s absence. Unless another designee is named by the Leadership Team, the President-Elect will represent the Association on the American Evaluation Association Local Affiliates Collaborative Steering Committee.
