Devin’s take on:
The people behind the stats
Devin has led research projects on everything from public health to criminal justice, education to the environment. In all those instances, it’s never been the numbers that drive the work — it’s the people. It’s important, Devin says, that campaigns reflect the feelings and experiences of the communities they’re reaching, and that starts with research.
“Research is often thought about as just data and numbers, but it’s important to always remember that research is about people,” Devin says. “Data points are people’s opinions and lives. That informs everything I do at work.”
Knowing your numbers
Devin sees the research process as more than just compiling stats and spotting trends: It’s the first step in understanding how things work and what makes people tick — and having the data to back it up. His approach is shaped by a background in public policy and economics, and he translates potentially complicated research findings into useful insights for clients.
“If you have a lot of data but don’t know what it says, you’re actually starting from a disadvantage and you might make an incorrect decision,” Devin says.
Having spent his entire life in the Pacific Northwest, Devin has regional context when it comes to how PNW-specific concerns and challenges are reflected in the numbers.
“There’s a lot of value in understanding what’s going on in the economy and what the issue of the moment is,” Devin explains, “and how your campaign fits into what’s going on in this place right now.”
Devin says:
“Understanding data is foundational to any good campaign, policy or business decision. Before you do anything, you should know what people want, think and need.”
A competitive streak
Devin loves baseball, having played throughout college and in adult leagues, and he’s a lifelong Mariners fan. He’s also a Pokémon aficionado, and he and his brother have even competed in several world championships. (His favorite Pokémon, by the way, is Umbreon.)
“It’s been a really fun way for my brother and I to stay connected to childhood and to scratch that competitive itch,” Devin says.
Education
Master of science, economics, Portland State University
Bachelor of arts, economics, Willamette University