AIR Executive Director Named Among U.S. News 2025 Best Leaders

The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) is pleased to share that Executive Director and CEO Christine M. Keller, Ph.D., has been named one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Leaders.

The U.S. News Best Leaders recognition honors 25 individuals across business, education, health care, and public service whose leadership is making a meaningful impact nationally. Honorees are selected through a rigorous, data-informed process that emphasizes leadership traits Americans value most—including empathy, generosity, and humility—based on national survey research conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll.

Christine was recognized in the Education category alongside leaders from higher education, K–12, and education-focused nonprofit organizations. Her selection reflects sustained leadership in advancing data-informed decision-making, strengthening institutional research and effectiveness practices, and supporting professionals who steward critical education data across the postsecondary ecosystem.

Under Christine’s leadership, AIR has continued to expand professional development, consulting, research, and advocacy efforts that help institutions and data professionals navigate increasing complexity while maintaining rigor, integrity, and public trust in higher education data.

All 2025 Best Leaders honorees were formally recognized at a U.S. News & World Report reception in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 2025.

AIR congratulates Christine on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued leadership on behalf of AIR members and the broader institutional research and effectiveness community.