Case Study: RAND Corporation
Roles: Chief Diversity Officer
Sector: Public Policy Research / Nonprofit
The Challenge
RAND sought a transformational leader to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into every facet of its mission-driven, research-intensive organization. The goal: to elevate DEI within both internal operations and the global impact of RAND’s policy work.
The Nexus Solution
We partnered with executive leadership to design a highly strategic Chief Diversity Officer role. Our search focused on candidates with deep DEI expertise, cross-functional leadership in complex matrix environments, and the ability to influence policy, research, and workforce culture.
The Outcome
Nexus placed Rekha Chiruvolu, a visionary CDO, to drive institutional DEI strategy across RAND’s offices in Santa Monica, Arlington, and Pittsburgh. The leader now advises the CEO and board, oversees enterprise-wide DEI programs, and helps shape inclusive research, outreach, and talent practices.
“One of the things that interested me about this position with RAND is that it presented an opportunity to be part of an organization that is doing impactful work on some of the most important issues around the globe. In addition to the internal DEI work at RAND, it was also an opportunity to impact the research side to help ensure that the important work RAND is doing reflects the diversity of our global communities and the people impacted by these issues. It brings me back to what I wanted to do early in my career.”
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