Megan Murphy, ASA Communications Manager
Her effect on people will ripple out for decades to come.”
With these words, Robert Sivinski, who worked with Katherine Wallman at the Office of Management and Budget captured the sentiment of the memorial session for Wallman during the Joint Statistical Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Katherine had an unstoppable force of will and unerring instincts for doing the right thing the right way.” Sivinski continued. “I think that’s always one of the hardest parts of being a federal statistician—knowing when and how to put your foot down.”
During the session, four speakers—Steve Pierson, Jennifer Park, Jim Cochran, and Sivinski—reflected on Wallman’s legacy, each sharing how her generosity, kindness, and intelligence inspired them. “Katherine helped me better understand and appreciate the federal statistics system in our country” noted Cochran, professor of applied statistics and the Mike and Kathy Mouron Chair at The University of Alabama. “That led me to work with colleagues in various official statistics agencies in the US and around the world.”
Pierson emphasized Wallman’s unique impact on the ASA’s work: “Thanks to Katherine Wallman’s wisdom, commitment, and patience (with a tad of persistence), the ASA’s science policy work in support of federal statistics is much stronger, smarter, and strategic.”
Wallman, who served as chief statistician of the United States from 1992 to 2017 and as ASA president in 1992, was a leader, mentor, and champion of government statistics and statistical literacy. According to Cochran, she significantly improved the quality of official statistics in the United States, citing her work on the 1997 Policy Directive No.15 on race and ethnicity classification; this directive enhanced the clarity, accuracy, and reporting of data.
Sivinski added she was a profound influence on his own professional development and credits her with inspiring him to participate in mentoring and recruiting for the federal statistical system.
Pierson also reflected on her character: “Katherine employed in parallel like a conductor of a 100-piece orchestra—grace, wisdom, kindness, diplomacy, patience, leadership, tact, generosity, mentorship, and more.”
The speakers’ stories are captured in their slides from the session. In addition, readers can experience the memorable “sandy clams” story, told by Sivinski during the session, as a testament to Wallman’s determination and her instinct for doing the right thing the right way.
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