CTData Grows Research and Data Analytics Team

The Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Cheung to the position of Director of Data and Analytics, Cynthia Willner to Director of Research, Jill Walsh to the position of Senior Geographic Information System and Data Analyst, and the hiring of Chase Wilson as a Research Analyst.

The organizational advancements recognize significant contributions to CTData’s mission and dedication to leveraging data and research to improve informed decision-making across Connecticut.

Cheung assumes a leadership role in CTData's efforts to enhance data literacy and guide organizations in making data-driven decisions. His demonstrated expertise in data analysis and passion for responsible data use will be instrumental in furthering CTData's mission to empower Connecticut's residents and organizations with access to high-quality, user-friendly data, and how best to communicate that information to various audiences and consumers.

Willner, assuming the role of Director of Research, brings two decades of research experience to her expanded leadership role at CTData. She is a highly regarded research scientist committed to conducting research for the public good, including current work to understand child care needs in Connecticut, with expertise in early childhood care and education, human development and social policy, child and adolescent mental health, ethical research practices, survey design, and quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Walsh, assuming the role of Senior Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Analyst, has extensive experience in analyzing and mapping data for policy makers, creating tailored analyses and presentations on demographic trends for community partners, and working with public and private agencies to inform decision-making.

“Jason's, Cynthia’s, and Jill’s promotions were earned through their dedication to serving the Connecticut community through data analysis and comprehensive research," said Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director of CTData. "Their innovative approaches, technical skills and extensive experience have been invaluable to our clients and partners. CTData continues to grow its research and data analytic capabilities to meet the demand of our partners for high quality, actionable research and analysis."

Since joining CTData in 2020, Cheung has played a crucial role in several key projects, and his work has significantly contributed to CTData's reputation as a leading resource for data-driven insights in Connecticut. He earned a Master’s degree in Data Analytics from Georgia Institute of Technology and BA in Actuarial Science at UConn.

“Data is crucial for making important and well-informed decisions. Many of our partners, clients, and state agencies already have valuable data that can enhance their services, while others may face challenges such as poor data quality or limited data infrastructure,” Cheung explained. “No matter where an organization stands in its data journey, I am dedicated to helping them leverage data effectively to make informed decisions that improve their work and the services they provide.”

Cynthia Willner, a Senior Research Associate with CTData since 2022, has led community-based research projects combining surveys, focus groups, administrative records, and public data to yield policy-relevant insights particularly in the early childhood area. Her current project with the Rapid EC survey, a Stamford University survey looking to learn about the needs of children and families in Connecticut, is going to be informative for early childhood policy. She has a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, and has previously worked as an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale Child Study Center and as a Research Analyst at the social policy research institute MDRC.

“I’m passionate about conducting research to inform the work of non-profits, public agencies, advocates, policymakers, and others who are trying to make a positive difference for Connecticut’s residents,” explained Willner. “In my time at CTData, I’ve expanded our capacity to conduct surveys and focus groups that allow us to hear directly from residents and human service providers about their experiences and needs. In my new role as Director of Research, I look forward to continuing to grow our research work to inform data-driven decision-making that can advance equity in Connecticut. To support this growth, I am very excited to bring Chase Wilson onto our research team.”

Jill Walsh, a GIS and Data Analyst with CTData since 2022, has been pivotal in developing CTData’s GIS mapping capabilities, including the North Hartford Asend Community Resource Map, analysis of the Secretary of the State’s voter data, and in developing an easy-to-use interface to access census data on CTData’s website.

"In my two years at CTData, I've worked closely with partners and clients to develop tools and narratives that use data responsibly and provide meaningful insights,” Walsh noted. “I'm committed to ensuring that data is straightforward to access, understand, and utilize. In my new role, I look forward to continuing these collaborations and improving our partners’ leverage of data for informed decision-making."

As a Research Analyst at CTData, Chase Wilson, Ph.D., works on research and data projects to inform policies, programs, and services in Connecticut in the areas of early childhood, housing, civil legal needs, and more. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University, and a PhD in Social Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, where he conducted research on open-mindedness and intergroup attitudes.

Through the years, he has worked for both community-based nonprofits and a large tech company, tapping into his skills as a collaborative applied researcher, specializing in measuring attitudes, performance, and other concepts across various fields. Wilson has a demonstrated track-record in executive research strategies to address complex issues, and is skilled at turning quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights. He possesses proficiency in survey design, statistics, data analysis and data visualization, and is passionate about using research to promote equity and a healthy society.

“I have been impressed by CTData’s commitment to enhancing research and data resources across Connecticut and fostering collaboration around this mission,” Wilson said. “I’m excited to become part of the team. I look forward to analyzing research on a wide range of topics and uncovering insights that serve and empower Connecticut residents.”

CTData is at the forefront of data analysis and dissemination in Connecticut, connecting people with data to promote informed decision-making and advance equity across Connecticut. CTData engages those most affected by decisions in data exploration and provides tools, resources, and expertise to empower individuals and organizations to use data effectively.

CTData also shares expertise with programming for businesses, nonprofits and individuals, including Youth Data Programs, Customized Data Workshops, Data Storytelling, Building Better Surveys, Data Visualization, Analyzing Qualitative Data, Analyzing Quantitative Data, and Data Literacy. CTData operates the CTData Academy, which offers an array of workshops for state residents to learn more about evaluating data quality, becoming a critical consumer and creator of data, improving data work, creating impactful visualizations using data, and more.

In addition, CTData offers a data “helpline” for assisting data users with obtaining, displaying, interpreting, and using data; and Data Strategic Planning for organizations to improve internal data processes to increase data storytelling, impact measurement, and promote efficiency. The organization also partners with groups to analyze, visualize, and share data in ways that are accessible and actionable.

CTData is a member of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership and earned the organization’s 2024 Network Steward Award, and has been designated as the lead organization for the State of Connecticut in the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program, serving as the liaison between the public and the Census Bureau.

For more information about CTData, visit www.ctdata.org/.