Market Research Consultants in Washington D.C. to Watch
Market Research Consultants in Washington D.C. to Watch for in 2025
Washington D.C. Area Market Research Experts to Know in 2025
From K Street to Crystal City, and across the vibrant corridors of Alexandria and Arlington, the Washington D.C. metro is more than just the political engine of the U.S. It's also a powerful research ecosystem where data, insight, and strategic thinking meet policy, public opinion, and innovation. In a city where decisions made today can shape the world tomorrow, market research professionals play an outsized role. Whether they’re conducting high-stakes political polling, diving deep into behavioral insights, or shaping brand messaging for global organizations, these experts aren’t just collecting data, they’re helping drive the decisions behind some of the most important institutions in the country.
At Digital Reference, we understand how complex and critical the role of a market research consultant can be. That’s why we created this list with the goal of honoring stories, strategies, and standout contributions. Through extensive evaluation and a deep-dive customer testimonials, we’ve handpicked professionals across the D.C. metro area whose work speaks volumes.
Some are founders, others are firm leaders, and some are independent thinkers blazing their own path. However, all of these leader's share a common thread: they’re reshaping how insights power action.
We recommend pairing this read with two of our other guides on Market Research Consultants in New York City and Boston for an in-depth understanding of innovators paving the way in 2025. Now let's dive in.
📌 Lisa Greenwald – CEO at Greenwald Research
Lisa Greenwald brings both rigor and empathy to the world of market research. As CEO of Greenwald Research, she leads a team focused on financial services, employee benefits, aging, and healthcare. Her background in sociology gives her a distinct edge as she combines academic discipline with real-world insight in her day-to-day work.
- Extensive experience in turning complex financial and retirement behaviors into actionable findings
- Deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, particularly around multi-modal studies and longitudinal research
- Greenwald Research is one of D.C.'s go-to shops for thoughtful segmentation and messaging strategy within regulated industries
📌 Anna Greenberg – Senior Partner at GQR
Anna Greenberg is a powerhouse in political polling, known for helping progressive campaigns find clarity in chaos. At GQR, she brings over 15 years of experience leading research on behalf of Democratic candidates, advocacy organizations, and major media outlets.
- Political researcher with a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and a history of shaping national narratives through robust public opinion data
- Her work routinely translates data into actionable campaign strategies
- Specializes in message testing and voter segmentation, particularly among younger and more diverse electorates
📌 Monica Sanchez – Founding Partner at Untold Research
Monica Sanchez is an innovator in culturally grounded research. At Untold Research, she works with nonprofits, foundations, and public health organizations to uncover unheard voices.
- Known for her culturally responsive methodologies that bring marginalized populations into focus
- With a background in social science, she’s passionate about using research to amplify community-driven storytelling
- Her qualitative facilitation skills have supported research across a variety of disciplines, increasing inclusion and reach
📌 Pam Loeb – Principal at Edge Research
Pam Loeb has built a career out of elevating communications and campaigns with strong data. As a principal at Edge Research, she works closely with non-profits, associations, and mission-driven brands.
- Expertise in brand tracking, message testing, and donor segmentation
- Deeply experienced in cross-channel research, from digital ad testing to traditional survey panels
- A trusted partner to top organizations, ensuring research is actionable and empathetic
📌 Andrew Rugg – President of Certus Insights
Andrew Rugg brings a journalist’s curiosity and a political operative’s precision to market research. Through Certus Insights, he helps clients measure influence, shape strategy, and respond to reputational challenges.
- Offers data-driven reputation research tailored to PR firms, trade associations, and corporate affairs teams
- Known for real-time tracking tools that give clients an edge during fast-moving news cycles
- Combines polling, media analysis, and message testing into multi-pronged strategic deliverables
📌 Keith Deaven – President of Media Barn
Keith Deaven runs Media Barn with a creative technologist’s mind and a researcher’s heart. Focused on user experience and design research, his team collaborates with clients across government and enterprise sectors.
- Specialist in UX and usability testing, making interfaces more intuitive and inclusive
- Leads one of the region’s only hybrid creative + research studios, blending design thinking with insight generation
- Past clients range from government agencies to Fortune 500s, showcasing his unique ability to scale insights across industries
📌 Colleen McCulloch-Learch – President of KRC Research
Colleen McCulloch-Learch is a strategic leader at KRC Research, bringing over two decades of experience in qualitative and quantitative research design.
- Expert in stakeholder mapping, thought leadership research, and executive communications support
- Her insights have fueled high-profile corporate social responsibility campaigns
- Passionate about storytelling through data, she helps brands find narratives that resonate deeply and drive action
📌 Jack Fyock – President at Alan Newman Research
Jack Fyock blends a deep understanding of consumer-based messaging strategies with a strong methodological know-how. At Alan Newman Research, he supports a variety of industries, with a focus on healthcare, with communication expertise.
- Focuses on health systems, and payer and public health settings
- Special interest in changes related to health reform
- Works closely with communications professionals to create targeted marketing campaigns
📌 Jocelyn (Roberson) Grundy – Independent Market Research Consultant
Jocelyn Grundy brings a rare mix of consumer knowledge, research expertise, and communications savvy. As an independent consultant, she has worked with global development agencies, health organizations, and think tanks.
- Specialist in 'bringing data to life'
- Passionate about understanding individual client needs and targets
- Known for her detailed approach and ability to pivot research projects across languages, regions, and time zones
📌 Michael Cohen – Founder and CEO of Cohen Research Group
Michael Cohen is a longtime figure in the D.C. insights scene. At Cohen Research Group, he supports political, advocacy, and corporate clients with precision research.
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- Known for Capitol Hill expertise and political market segmentation
- Blends traditional polling with innovative survey tech and analytics
- Clients include top-tier PACs, NGOs, and corporate affairs teams who trust his strategic touch and rapid delivery
Looking Ahead: Research in a City That Drives Change
The D.C. metro area is a space where insight meets impact. These professionals are at the center of it all, applying the tools of market research to help institutions, brands, and campaigns find clarity, connection, and credibility.
At Digital Reference, we’re proud to curate lists like this that go beyond resumes and into the real work happening behind the scenes. If you're looking for deeper frameworks or are curious about how these insights translate into business impact, check out our guide on Marketing Consultants and Experts
Whether you're a hiring manager, a fellow consultant, or just market-curious, we hope this list introduces you to the experts shaping D.C.’s next big moves.
Ready to tap into this world of insight? Digital Reference is here to help you navigate it.
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