Cynthia Zang Facer Clark
Executive Director, Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics

Educational Background
PhD and MS, Statistics, Iowa State University
MA, Mathematics, University of Denver
BA, Mathematics, Mills College

Cynthia Clark has had a long career in official statistics. In her most recent position as administrator of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, she led a program that fundamentally transformed how and where the agency does its business. Previously, she oversaw statistical and survey research at the UK Office for National Statistics, following an eight-year tenure at the US Census Bureau. In both organizations, she directed research across the full range of economic and demographic surveys, censuses, and estimating programs; improved program methodology; and instituted standards for quality management.

A longtime leader in the official statistics community, Clark is an elected fellow of the American Statistical Association, a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, an elected member of the International Statistical Association, and a longtime member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research. She was a member of the ASA Board and chair of the ASA’s Government Statistics Section and its Privacy and Confidentiality Committee. In 2011, she was honored as a recipient of the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award and, in 2014, received Iowa State University’s Distinguished Alumnae Award.

Clark grew up in a family of daughters in Colorado. Her mother was a chemist prior to WWII; her father an agricultural loan officer and bank director. Studying mathematics and science was not unusual for a girl in her home. She pursued mathematics until it was clear there were better career opportunities for a woman in statistics. She is a mother of three sons and three daughters and a grandmother of 20 grandchildren.

Previous Positions
Director, Land and Records Research Office, Nauvoo Illinois Mission, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2014–2015)
Administrator, National Agriculture Statistics Service, USDA (2008–2014)
Executive Director for Methodology, UK Office for National Statistics (2004–2007)
Associate Director for Methodology and Standards, US Census Bureau (1996–2004)
Director, Survey Management Division and Research and Applications Division (its predecessor), NASS, USDA (1990–1996)
Assistant Division Chief for Research and Methodology, Agriculture Division, Census Bureau (1983–1990)
Statistical Policy Analyst, Statistical Policy Office, OMB (1981–1983)
Economic Statistician, Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards, US Department of Commerce (1979–1981)
Mathematical Statistician, US Census Bureau (1977–1979)