Studying systems to improve public outcomes.
We research how institutions function in practice—how decisions compound, how behaviors repeat, and how systems adapt or stall. Our work helps leaders understand the conditions shaping results.
What We Examine
- Decision pathways and governance structure: Who decides what, and how.
- Performance and accountability systems: How information flows and how success is measured.
- Alignment of strategy, resources and behavior: Whether actions match goals and incentives.
- Complexity and uncertainty: Where complexity obscures judgment and what leaders need to see to decide well.
How Leaders Use This Work
- To inform board and executive decisions.
- To prepare leadership for high‑stakes choices or institutional transitions.
- To ground decision‑making in real conditions rather than assumptions or wishful thinking.
Our research is advisory, non‑partisan, and designed to improve decision quality.
Who Engages With Us
Superintendents and school boards, government agencies, health systems, public‑health leaders, universities, foundations, and civic organizations
PUBLISHED WORK & APPLIED REVIEWS
Selected examples of applied research and institutional reviews include:
How Local Systems Shape Everyday Life
What Governing Really Means at the Municipal Level
K.W. Hampton, PhD, MPA (Q1 2026)
An applied, nonpartisan examination of how municipal systems—planning, infrastructure, services, and governance—quietly shape residents’ daily experience, and what public leaders must pay attention to to steward them well.
90-Day Institutional Review: South Carolina Public School District
Conducted in partnership with the Superintendent | South Carolina, December 2025
A system-level assessment of governance, performance, and decision conditions conducted with senior leadership during a period of transition. The work included:
- A 90-day diagnostic review of operations, governance, and performance
- Development of decision-support tools for executive and board use
- A written findings report and board-ready presentation
- Executive-level professional development session on institutional systems and decision pathways with the Superintendent’s cabinet and core leadership team
- Integration of EVOLVRS’ institutional intelligence framework
Systemic Barriers and Community Support: Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Black Women and Femmes
Authors: Alexis Woodhouse and Sharon Odametey
Research Methodology Consultant: Dr. Kala Wilson, MPA (2024)
An examination of how decisions made by institutions affect real outcomes in communities. This work looks at coordination, access, and accountability — and what leaders can change when systems are not working as intended.
Developed in partnership with
Standards and Regulatory Frameworks Workgroup: Health Information Technology Environmental Scan
Dullabh PM, Desai PJ, Gordon JR, Leaphart D, Wilson KS, Richesson RL, Boxwala AA, and the CDSiC Standards and Regulatory Frameworks Workgroup. Standards and Regulatory Frameworks Workgroup: Environmental Scan. January 2023.
A clear look at how rules, standards, and requirements shape what public institutions can realistically implement. This work helps leaders understand constraints, reduce risk, and make informed technology and compliance decisions.
Medicare Data Linkages for Conducting Patient-Centered Outcomes Research on Economic Outcomes
Brown DS, Srinivasan M, Zott C, Wilson K, Dullabh P, Smith SR. Med Care. 2023 Dec 1
A practical example of how existing data can be used to understand costs, outcomes, and tradeoffs. This work shows how leaders can use the information they already have to support budgeting, oversight, and long-term planning.
Contextualizing the experiences of Black pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dahl, A.A., Yada, F.N., Butts, S.J., Tolley, A., Lalgondar, P., Wilson, K.S., Shade, L. Reprod Health. (2023)
An analysis of how institutional decisions affect people during crisis conditions. This work highlights lessons for leaders responsible for public health, emergency response, and community trust.