TYLER R SMITH

CO-FOUNDER & Chief technical officer

As a health economist and policy advisor, I’ve supported governments and organizations to apply data in a variety of ways to address real-world challenges and support more informed decisions.  Methods have included program evaluation, study design, policy analysis, cost and cost-effectiveness analysis, economic modeling and forecasting, systems development and clinical research coordination.  Regardless of technique, the ultimate goal has always been the same: apply the right data and tools to answer the right questions.  With a specific interest in measuring and promoting efficiency, I try to ensure every discussion of data presupposes a link between resources and results.

Prior to Cooper/Smith I served as Health Economist and Special Advisor for Efficiency, Accountability, and Strategic Planning to the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC), US Department of State.  In this role, I was the technical lead for the restructuring of the PEPFAR Country/Regional Operational Plan (COP/ROP) process, primary author of the 2015 PEPFAR COP/ROP Guidance, and lead developer of the supporting analytic tools, data systems, and training materials.  I was also the lead for the PEPFAR Expenditure Analysis (EA) Initiative and supporting systems, in 2012 institutionalizing the first cross-agency, results-linked financial accounting system within the U.S. Government development portfolio.

In addition to my time at the State Department, I've served as Health Economist for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research consultant for CARE (USA) and ACCESS Development Services (New Delhi, India), and Clinical Research Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).  

I have published numerous think pieces and blog posts on health economics, AI, tech, and global development including in the New York Times.