Leadership

Emily Schmitt is the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning, Research and Evaluation and the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE).

OPRE studies ACF programs and the populations they serve through rigorous research and evaluation projects, including evaluations of existing programs, evaluations of innovative approaches to helping low-income children and families, research syntheses and descriptive and exploratory studies. Prior to serving as Deputy Director Ms. Schmitt was a Senior Research Analyst in OPRE, managing a portfolio of research related to human services and the wellbeing of low-income families. She initiated and led OPRE’s work on the application of behavioral science to human services, and oversaw projects related to TANF, employment and training, and homeless and disconnected families. Previously Ms. Schmitt worked for the U.S. House of Representatives and the National Alliance to End Homelessness. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Kennedy School.