Atlanta-area Evaluation Association upcoming events

Let's Talk About Independent Consulting: An Evening with 3 Evaluation Entrepreneurs (May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to start an independent evaluation practice, but not sure where to begin? Maybe you’ve picked up a few projects on the side and are starting to wonder what it would look like to build a full-time independent practice. Or perhaps you’re just beginning to explore what evaluation entrepreneurship could even mean for you.

Join us for an evening with three AaEA Independent Evaluation Consultants, Simone McPhearson, Madeline Mercer and Alexis Grant. Learn about how they launched their businesses and each of their unique approaches to evaluation consulting.

They’ll share their personal journey into independent evaluation, lessons learned from launching their own practice, and practical advice for those curious about forging a similar path.

We’ll leave plenty of space for questions, open discussion, and reflection. Light refreshments will be served.

Meet the Evaluation Entrepreneurs

Alexis Grant, PhD has over a decade of experience in research and evaluation. She has conducted process evaluations, outcome evaluations, and impact evaluations with a special focus on participatory methods. While working full time as an evaluator for a large firm, she also saw a gap for smaller, community-based nonprofits that cannot typically support an external evaluator. Four years ago, she founded Beyond Today Solutions as a consulting company that focuses on helping small, community-based programs learn how to collect and use data to inform their decision-making. She provides tailored materials for all of her clients, including individualized coaching, workshops, and pilot evaluation materials.

Madeline Mercer, MPH, specializes in evaluation research focused on disability and health and systems-level change. Her work is grounded in a data-informed, community-centered approach to assessing program impact and strengthening outcomes for individuals with disabilities across Georgia. In addition to academic research, Madeline is the founder of The For Good Community, a nonprofit consulting practice through which she partners with mission-driven organizations to design evaluation frameworks, develop data-informed grant strategies, and secure funding for programs in disability services, youth education, workforce development, human services, and the arts. She has supported organizations in developing logic models, aligning outcomes with funder priorities, and building sustainable evaluation systems that translate impact into compelling narratives for funding and growth. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Public Health from Georgia State University. Across both her research and consulting work, she is passionate about bridging evaluation, storytelling, and strategy to help organizations demonstrate impact, advance equity, and drive meaningful systems change.

Simone McPherson, MPH, CHES, is a public health scientist and evaluation and research consultant with over a decade of experience supporting federal, state, local, and community-based initiatives. She is the Founder and CEO of Women Impacting Nations (W.I.N.) Consulting, LLC, a women-owned firm focused on program evaluation, applied research, health equity, and data-driven strategy. Simone helps mission-driven organizations assess impact, strengthen programs, and translate findings into meaningful action. She holds a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Health Services Administration from Florida International University and is passionate about building healthier, more equitable communities through purpose-driven consulting

Virtual Journal Club: How Organizations Experience Evaluation (June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Evaluation systems often aim to promote evidence-based improvements within organizations. However, the impact of evaluation projects can be limited based on how individuals within organizations respond to and use evaluation findings.

To further explore this topic, join us on Wednesday, June 10th, from 12-1pm ET for a virtual journal club with Dr. Catherine Kelly to discuss her recent article, Exploring How Organizational Actors Experience Evaluation and Its Influence: A Q-Methodological Study, published in the American Journal of Evaluation.

Our discussion will begin with an overview of the article by Dr. Kelly, so feel free to participate even if you aren’t able to read the article beforehand.

Join us to connect with the author and fellow Atlanta evaluators for a robust discussion on how organizations experience evaluation and how the article's findings may improve your evaluation practice.

Zoom link provided after registration. If you have any questions, please contact us at AtlantAaEA@gmail.com!

Summer Kick-Off Happy Hour (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Summer Kickoff Happy Hour

Friday, June 26th | 5:00–7:00 PM Chattahoochee Food Works, Atlanta

Summer is here — and we're celebrating the only way we know how: good drinks, great food, and even better company! Join your fellow evaluators for a laid-back happy hour to kick off the season and connect with colleagues from across the Atlanta area evaluation community.

Whether you're wrapping up a busy project season or just ready to swap your spreadsheets for a cold beverage, this is the perfect way to unwind and mix and mingle. Chattahoochee Food Works offers a fantastic lineup of vendors and a vibrant atmosphere — there's truly something for everyone.

Come as you are, bring a colleague (or two!), and let's toast to summer together.

We can't wait to see you there!