American Institutes for Research

American Institutes for Research

American Institutes for Research was established in 1946 as a nonpartisan research entity. Jessica Heppen became President and CEO in 2024, succeeding David Myers. The firm holds no disclosed family wealth origin and operates as an independent nonprofit. The organization allocates 1.19 percent of assets to private equity and holds a quasi-endowment valued near $1.06 billion. Confirmed holdings include direct ownership of Pelavin Research Institute. Geographic reach centers on the United States with additional project work reported globally. Strategy records list buyout, venture, secondaries, and co-investment mandates alongside core research contracts. The firm employs 1,800 professionals. Additional offices operate in Chicago and Washington, DC. Philanthropic vehicles include the AIR Equity Initiative established in 2021 with $20 million committed and the AIR Opportunity Fund with $22.5 million committed. In 2024 the firm engaged Sikich CPA LLC for financial advisory services. Governance separates the research mission from investment management through a board chaired by Lawrence Bobo. The structure maintains a small external allocation program while the majority of resources support operating divisions in education research and evaluation.