Aaron is the executive director of The Center for Election Science as well as a co-founder. He’s been featured as an electoral systems expert on MSNBC.com, NPR, Free Speech TV, Inside Philanthropy, 80K Hours, Popular Mechanics, and has given talks across the country on voting methods. He’s written on election topics for Deadspin, USA Today Magazine, Independent Voter Network, and others. Additionally, Aaron is a licensed attorney with two additional graduate degrees in the social sciences. Aaron’s other interests include defeating lock systems, playing chess, and training jiu-jitsu.

Chris is a political professional based in Washington, D.C. specializing in campaign management. Most recently, Chris managed two races for U.S. Congress in Southwest Florida and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He holds a Master of Science in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University, and a Bachelor’s in International Studies in from the University of Florida. When not on the campaign trail, Chris enjoys working with his girlfriend Jane on their DC public transportation-themed blog “Raildrinks”, refereeing softball on the National Mall, and watching the Gators play on Saturdays.

Michael Piel is a political nerd turned fundraiser. Since his first campaign work in 2004, he has been addicted to politics. Starting as a data and political analyst, Mike was a proud campaign professional. Like many others, he got started in fundraising by accident but soon discovered a knack for it. Through his work with organizations like the New Organizing Institute and the Center for Community Change, Mike has created a more equitable America where citizens feel empowered to change their circumstances. His recognition that our electoral system needs a fresh approach to better reflect its people’s will has led him to The Center for Election Science.

Outside of work, this native Coloradan loves being outdoors. Whether hiking, playing golf, or spending time with friends, he just wants to keep moving. 

Whitney is currently a Ph.D. candidate specializing in American Politics and Research Methods at the University of Southern California, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on political communication and behavior with an emphasis on Congress, social media, race and gender politics, and computational methods. She is a prior recipient of a Dirksen Congressional Center Research Grant and Malcolm Jewell Award for her graduate work on strategic emotive rhetoric in congressional messaging online. Outside of conducting research and working with data, Whitney enjoys short walks to the fridge, hanging with her dogs Kenneth & Steven, and popcorn reading with her partner.

Brandi is fascinated by issues that combine social science research and law. She is a licensed attorney and therapist in Oklahoma and is especially interested in business processes that reduce burnout and build healthier, more engaged workplaces. Prior to joining CES, she owned and managed a group therapy practice and later transitioned into consulting with therapists on legal, ethical, and business issues related to their practice. She continues to offer educational resources for therapists. Brandi loves traveling and RVing with her family and has a goal of visiting every national park and state. She also enjoys scrapbooking and hiking to see waterfalls.