A Practical Guide to Analytics for Governments

Foreword

Paula Henderson

Vice President, State and Local Government Practice, SAS Institute

Nowhere can more good be done, for more people, than in government. Yes, that messy, challenging, and inspiring entity that simultaneously frustrates us and, often without us realizing it, dramatically improves our quality of life.

I lead a team of nearly 230 people whose mission is to help government, help people. It’s our calling. Practically, we do that with software but, on a deeper level, we do it with passion, optimism, and a belief that analytics wielded by dedicated public servants is a force for good.

This book can empower those people to change lives. It is a guide to how analytics can address our country’s most pressing issues. I also encourage regular citizens to read it. We all hear about analytics and big data but not everyone truly understands it. This book makes the application of data and analytics tangible, and builds excitement about the possibilities.

I have five children. The plight of at-risk kids in this country is never far from my mind. The all too frequent media stories detailing another preventable child fatality tear at my heart. I meet with government leaders on this topic. I serve on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse. I evangelize the power of analytics to create brighter futures for children.

Will Jones contributes a chapter about improving child well-being by, in part, helping overburdened caseworkers prioritize risk to the children ...