Employee Profile: Amanda Sutter

September 9, 2024

Bridging Research and Practice for Impactful Evaluations

Amanda Sutter, a social science analyst with the Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), is committed to leveraging research to enhance human services programs. Since joining the Region 1 Office in Boston, Massachusetts, in June 2023, Amanda has served a vital role in supporting evaluation studies to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse while promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs.

Amanda's journey into evaluation began with her dual master's degree in social work and education policy from the University of Michigan in 2010. Her career-spanning consulting, academia, and non-profits-reflects a deep commitment to using evidence to drive improvements in human services systems. Her early work evaluating afterschool programs laid the foundation for a career dedicated to bridging research with practical applications. Amanda is also pursuing a Ph.D. in research methods and evaluation at the University of Connecticut to deepen her understanding of the field.

At OEI, Amanda's work has been instrumental in enhancing oversight of nursing homes, a critical issue area for HHS-OIG. Her involvement in the Assessment of the Special Focus Facilities Program for Nursing Homes, managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has significant implications for ensuring high levels of care for a vulnerable population. "This evaluation is crucial in identifying areas where nursing homes may fall short of standards and where improvements can be made," said Amanda. By providing comprehensive analyses and actionable recommendations, Amanda's work supports HHS-OIG's efforts to uphold the quality of care in nursing homes, ensuring that facilities meet requirements and address issues affecting resident safety and well-being.

Amanda navigates the complexities of evaluation with a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. She recognizes the diverse skill set required, from technical expertise to strong interpersonal skills. Her decision to pursue a Ph.D. was driven by a desire to enhance her methodological toolbox to ensure her evaluation work is grounded in the most advanced and effective techniques.

The field of evaluation has evolved significantly during Amanda's career, shifting toward more inclusive and equity-focused approaches, including participatory methods and improved data visualization. At OEI, this is reflected in their commitment to utilizing a health equity lens and by ensuring evaluation findings are presented in accessible, visual formats. Amanda's work in nursing home evaluation integrates these methods to maintain rigor while also ensuring alignment with broader goals of fairness and accessibility. She emphasized, "I enjoy working with such a smart group of committed individuals at OEI who share these values and commitment to supporting health and human services programs for the common good." Balancing work with personal interests, Amanda enjoys traveling, tennis, sailing, and spending time with her husband and cat. Amanda also remains active in the American Evaluation Association community through various volunteer roles, including leadership positions and contributions to peer-reviewed journals.

Amanda's advice for those aspiring to work in evaluation emphasizes the importance of broadening search criteria and seeking developmental opportunities early in their careers, as there are diverse pathways for emerging evaluators. She adds, "'Be shameless' was advice I got early on, so don't be afraid to reach out! I have found evaluators are always willing to connect, share resources, and support learning." Amanda also highlighted the importance of learning from diverse perspectives and connecting with the broader evaluation community, such as the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.

Amanda Sutter's dedication to improving programs through evaluation spotlights her commitment to using research for positive change. Her career is a testament to how passion, continuous learning, and collaboration lead to impactful results in the field of evaluation and government oversight.

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