John Whaley, PhD, Partner
Well-versed in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, John has conducted strategic research on a wide range of social and political issues, including racial justice, immigration, environmental protection, reproductive health, education reform, health equity, and foreign policy. At Goodwin Simon, his clients include a diverse set of non-profit organizations, foundations, unions, government agencies, and other entities—including NARAL Pro-Choice America, Southern Poverty Law Center, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Earthjustice.
In addition, John has extensive expertise applying a Heartwired research approach to controversial and emotionally-complex issues, and leveraging that research to develop effective communications that reflect the values, beliefs, identities, emotions, and lived experiences of diverse audiences.
Prior to joining Goodwin Simon Strategic Research in 2014, John served as Vice President at Peter D. Hart Research Associates in Washington, D.C., where his clients included Planned Parenthood, the DSCC, the Center for American Progress, SEIU, and the University of California. John also served as Senior Vice President at American Environics, a research firm combining traditional polling methods with in-depth techniques in cognitive linguistics and political psychology.
John received his doctorate in political science from American University in 2003, where he also taught a course on research design and methodology. His dissertation focused on corruption in Congress, a project for which he conducted in-depth interviews with more than 40 current and former Members of Congress as well as scores of other ethics experts. He continued his focus on corruption and governance issues while working for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), Transparency International, and the Center for Public Integrity. A native Californian, John received his B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley in 1989.