About REC: Trusted Experts in Research and Evaluation
Empowering Organizations with Data-Driven Solutions
Research Evaluation Consulting (REC) is a Colorado-based, woman-owned consulting firm specializing in research and evaluation services such as program evaluation, impact studies, and data analysis. As an external evaluator and partner with social sector agencies and purpose-driven organizations, REC delivers actionable insights that drive meaningful change.
At REC, we build strong, lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. Our mission is to help organizations make data-driven decisions that maximize their impact and achieve their goals.
Our Expertise
REC’s integrated team of research and evaluation professionals brings expertise in both quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, statistics) and qualitative approaches (e.g., interviews, focus groups) methods. We also collaborate with experts in nonprofit management, research, marketing, and information technology to provide comprehensive and customized solutions. We have the capacity for small, medium, and large projects.
Our approach is simple: we serve as a trusted advisor, helping organizations make sense of the numbers and stories that shape their work. By applying best practices in evaluation and data analysis, we deliver results you can trust to help you drive meaningful change.
Our Commitment to Collaboration and Quality
REC works closely with its clients to thoroughly, objectively, and accurately measure and quantify their impact. Our team brings expertise in research and evaluation methods, while our clients provide their subject matter expertise to ensure every project is tailored to their needs.
We prioritize regular and consistent communication, keeping clients updated on every facet of the project. At REC, we understand the value of good data and work collaboratively to collect data that matters, empowering organizations to make informed decisions.
How We Help Clients
Driving Impact Through Research Solutions
Through our services, we help clients:
- Leverage existing data for funding purposes and marketing materials.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services.
- Develop and improve programs to align with organizational goals.
- Use customized metrics to collect new data.
- Identify organizational needs and priorities.
- Make data-driven decisions.
- Use findings to facilitate, strengthen, and promote effective organizational practices.
- Create strategies that promote organizational sustainability.
- Interpret results to create appropriate and implementable strategies.
To learn more, check out a few REC client testimonials!
Meet REC’s Founder: Dr. Annette Shtivelband
Dr. Annette Shtivelband, Founder and Principal Consultant of REC, has over 15 years of experience working with more than 100 organizations as a researcher, evaluator, and consultant. With a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology and a specialization in Occupational Health Psychology from Colorado State University, Annette combines her applied research and evaluation expertise with a passion for helping purpose-driven organizations succeed.
Annette is passionate about helping her clients succeed. Her areas of expertise include program evaluation, health and well-being, employee engagement and retention, education, and organizational change.
She works systematically and strategically with clients to measure their impact and implement actionable strategies. Dr. Shtivelband values her clients’ expertise and views every relationship as a partnership. She is committed to exceeding expectations and delivering high-quality results.
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Dr. Annette Shtivelband
Research Evaluation Consulting
Recognized Leader
Dr. Annette Shtivelband has an extensive track record of presenting on impactful topics and leading professional development trainings. She has shared her expertise at conferences and events, addressing issues like workplace well-being and effective data use in nonprofit organizations.
Key presentations include:
- Construction Working Minds Conference (March 2023)
- Connecting Colorado Conference (April 2023): Making the Most of Your Data for Fundraising
- American Association of Suicidology (April 2021): Workplace Suicide Prevention: Understanding the Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream Implications
In addition to her conference work, Dr. Shtivelband has led numerous trainings for the Colorado Nonprofit Association, covering topics like evaluation challenges, qualitative approaches in evaluation, and conducting focus groups. She has also shared expertise on creating effective surveys through Consultants for Libraries and participated in Doing Good Week, showcasing her commitment to empowering organizations with evidence-based strategies.
Her thought leadership extends to podcasts and videos, including appearances on the Actions Antidotes podcast and The Nonprofit Coffee Talk on LinkedIn, where she discussed data collection and evaluation approaches. In 2019, she was a guest on the SynerVision Leadership Foundation podcast, highlighting the importance and power of evaluation to help nonprofits thrive.
Dr. Shtivelband has been featured on:
“Essentially, we help our clients ask and answer meaningful questions so that they can make data-driven decisions. We also help our clients measure and quantify their impact.”
“We bring our expertise in research and evaluation methods and encourage our clients to bring their subject matter expertise to the project. This collaborative approach allows us to support our clients’ continuous learning and identify areas for growth.”
“Using data analytics, we help organizations better serve their clients, identify new needs and opportunities, improve their programs, make decisions, and tell their story of impact. Time and again, our clients receive additional funding and support because they now have evidence for how they are making a difference in their community.”
“Treat evaluation as an investment, not an expense. With the right evaluation systems in place, nonprofits can continuously improve their programming and position themselves for future funding opportunities.”
“Leveraging data during uncertain times will help you lead more confidently and succeed no matter what happens. To be successful despite uncertainty, you must let data drive your decisions.”