George's STAT DAY 2024

Robert L. Santos is the 26th director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

His career spans over 40 years in survey research, statistical design and analysis and executive-level management. He previously served as vice president and chief methodologist at the Urban Institute, where he directed its Statistical Methods Group. Santos has held leadership positions at top survey research organizations, including the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center; the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research; and Temple University’s Institute for Survey Research. His research expertise includes quantitative and qualitative research design, program evaluation, needs assessments, survey methodology and survey operations. He also has research experience with demographic and administrative data, decennial censuses, social policy research as well as equity issues. 

Santos received the American Statistical Association’s Founder’s Award (2006); the American Association for Public Opinion Research Award for Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement (2021); Mexico’s Ohtli Award (2022) recognizing contributions to the Mexican community; and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s Excellence in Community Service Award (2023).

He has a bachelor’s in mathematics from Trinity University in San Antonio and a master’s in statistics from the University of Michigan. In 2023, he was bestowed honorary degrees by North Carolina State University and San Antonio College.