Evaluation Design and Execution

Taylor Wood is an experienced communication and change management strategist dedicated to building and leading proactive teams that go above and beyond for her clients. She oversees a portfolio of more than 18 teams across several government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Science Foundation. In this role, Taylor focuses on growing and expanding Human Experience’s event management capability and enhancing Aptive’s recruitment marketing services through the implementation of technical solutions.

Throughout her career, she has focused on learning various leadership styles and techniques to help others achieve success. Taylor is passionate about training others to lead with empathy and foster positive working relationships, enabling teams to provide exceptional service to clients. In previous roles, Taylor has led numerous communication teams and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of the Navy, VA, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Energy.

• Secret Security Clearance

• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Change Management Practitioner, Prosci

• M.A., Strategic Communications, American University

• B.A., Communication Studies, West Virginia University

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Susan Hayashi, Ph.D., is a strategic leader with a proven track record in advancing complex health initiatives within the Civilian Health account at Aptive. With over 25 years of experience, she excels in health integration, program evaluation and implementation to tackle pressing health care challenges. Dr. Hayashi articulates a compelling vision for Aptive’s services, fostering collaboration with health-focused agencies to enhance public health outcomes. Her data-driven approach not only informs decision-making for federal and state agencies but also empowers health professionals to deliver impactful results that improve lives. Skilled in account management and growth, Dr. Hayashi has successfully developed go-to-market strategies and enhanced multi-million-dollar pipelines, significantly boosting her company’s annual revenue.

In previous roles, Dr. Hayashi has supported federal entities such as the Administration for Children and Families, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institutes of Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She has directed projects in research and evaluation, medical education, health communication, behavioral health/primary care integration, maternal and child health, health equity and chronic health conditions.

• Ph.D., Michigan State University
• M.S., Miami University
• B.A., Hope College

Megan Grobert is a strategic leader with extensive experience in business development and service delivery within the federal health sector. Megan manages Aptive’s portfolio of work in the Civilian Health account, driving new business growth, leading partnering strategy and engagement and ensuring projects meet client needs and expectations.

Megan has proven experience in improving client programs and strengthening client relationships. Before joining Aptive, she served as Vice President at Ipsos Public Affairs, where she managed a $70M public sector patient experience contract and led a $50M health portfolio, driving business development initiatives and managing a cross-functional team of over 100 professionals. Her previous experience also includes executing a quality assurance and patient experience program for a large dialysis and chronic kidney disease organization, designing patient-centric quality improvement plans and co-leading telehealth service implementation in response to COVID-19.

Megan is committed to supporting her colleagues, mentoring delivery staff and contributing to fostering a learning culture across the company. She is passionate about patient experience and has spoken at numerous conferences on improving health care outcomes. Megan has also contributed to various publications regarding patient care and patient experience.

• MHA, Ohio University
• B.A., Psychology, Miami University
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Patient Experience Professional
• Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, Institute for Healthcare Improvement